By Joshua Robinson – 

New Year’s resolutions are about getting healthier and more physically active for many people. But with gym memberships often including joining fees and a minimum contract period, this option can be off-putting for some, or difficult to maintain in the long-term.

Chris, 29, Managing Director of local climbing company Freeklime, explains why climbing can be the perfect physical activity to take up, not just for the new year period, but for the long term.

Throughout the past year, Chris has seen more than twenty thousand new climbers come through the doors of Freeklime. He said: “To put it simply, once you give climbing a go, it can really get under your skin and become a life-long skill and interest.”

“As well as working your whole body all at once, you climb at your own pace, according to your own individual ability. Some of our climbers choose to progress through the various climbing grades, whilst others meet friends to climb together, as a form of competitive socialising.”

Following climbing’s introduction at the Olympic games in Tokyo 2020, it was the success at Paris this summer of British climbing gold medallist Toby Roberts that further shone a light on the sport.

Chris explained that: “Summer is usually a fairly quiet period for us, but last summer it was really buzzing at both our York and Huddersfield centres, with so many young climbers inspired by Team GB’s performance in Paris.”

As well as the physical benefits of climbing, the impact on mental wellbeing is also clear, with a study carried about by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) in early 2024 revealing that having fun is the main motivation of more than 50% of regular climbers in the UK.

Freeklime offers a highly inclusive setting for climbers, who range from children starting from the age of 7, through to students, working professionals, and retirees.

“We strive to ensure every one of our climbers has a good experience here,” said Chris. “We don’t require new climbers to undertake an intimidating induction; rather, we offer a bespoke introduction to find out each climber’s needs and motivations, and ensure they have all the help on hand they might need. We also have regular social nights, as we’ve found so many climbers come with friends or have made new friends through climbing.”

Chris added: “We also have a compelling membership offering that is exceptional value, membership is under £30 per month, during which you can come and climb as many times as you like.”

“There is no limit to how far you can go on your climbing journey. If making a January resolution is the reason you come in through the door of one of our Freeklime centres, we are confident that the experience of climbing, coupled with the welcoming atmosphere of our team and other climbers, will lead it to being part of a new lifestyle for the long-term.”

Throughout January, new climbers can enjoy 25% off their first visit – for further information, please visit: www.freeklime.co.uk.

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