The Bouldering Gym Brooklyn Deserves
If you’re like me, there is only so much of a treadmill I can enjoy when I want to work out. The same old routine of just running in place can get tiring and monotonous. And recently, we just discovered a fun alternative to working out and that is rock climbing and bouldering. All around the U.S. more and more rock climbing and bouldering gyms have popped up, to what can almost be described as a “Bouldering Boom.” People have slowly begun to discover the fun of bouldering and rock climbing, taking advantage of the full body workout it provides but also giving people the excitement of solving tons of different paths and puzzles all to reach to the top. Luckily, VITAL Brooklyn brings rock climbing and bouldering to Brooklyn and is the first East Coast location following the successful launches in California and Washington. Founded by David Sacher and Nam Phan, VITAL Brooklyn is a gorgeous new gym that sprawls over 45,000 square feet. The space is primarily dedicated to rock climbing and bouldering but also features a gym with all the equipment you possibly need as well as a variety of classes like yoga, cycling, and Bouldering 101. And the cherry on top for VITAL Brooklyn is that this gym is open 24/7, which means you can get your climbing fix at any point of the day no matter what.
VITAL Brooklyn takes bouldering to the next level by offering a variety of bouldering experiences. Even on entering the gym you can’t help but notice how open and expansive this gym is. And when the weather is nice, all the windows are open allowing for much needed fresh air to come in.
The first floor features multiple walls dedicated to bouldering and climbing. There are over 300 puzzles to choose from with various levels of difficulty. Even if you are a novice like me, there are plenty of puzzles to choose from that gives you the feel of bouldering and helps build your confidence to challenge the next level. On top of that, there is the addition of a “Top Out” wall where once you reach the top of your puzzle, you can actually pull yourself up and sit on top of the wall and hang out.
What makes VITAL Brooklyn even more memorable is their addition of a unique rooftop space. This space features a setup of two additional bouldering walls where you get the chance to have some fresh air while you do your climbing. The crown jewel of this is that there is another Top Out wall on the roof which is the perfect setup if you wanted to do some climbing right as the sun is setting and get the perfect combination of a great workout and an even better view. And soon to come to VITAL Brooklyn is the addition of a cafe which will offer food and drinks such as beer and wine. And to round out a fun day of climbing, this rooftop also has a gorgeous firepit that you can huddle around when the sun sets and hang out with your new climbing buddies.
Another thing that must be mentioned about VITAL Brooklyn is how inclusive it is. This gym features amazing amenities such as multiple gender neutral bathrooms all around the gym, lockers readily available to anyone that comes in, to even rental rock climbing shoes for people who have just taken up the hobby. VITAL Brooklyn has such a friendly and welcoming energy that does not add in any pressure that you sometimes feel when you are at a regular gym. The staff are extremely helpful and want to make sure you are enjoying yourself to the fullest. The energy at VITAL gym is such that you want to keep coming back and don’t ever feel self conscious or nervous about working out or trying something new.
Overall, VITAL Brooklyn is a beautiful addition to Brooklyn’s gym scene. Climbing is definitely on the up and up. And VITAL Brooklyn makes sure that everyone that steps foot in this gym is ready for a fun workout. From amazing amenities to helpful staff, VITAL Brooklyn is definitely a gym you and your friends should check out.
You can check out VITAL Brooklyn’s website here if you are interested in a Day Pass or signing up for more!
Photos courtesy of Madeleine Chan Stanley
