Spicing It Up With Harnesses and Ropes

Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:28 PM

My husband and I thought we needed to spice things up a little so we did some research and joined a local indoor climbing gym. I know what you were thinking, but we don't require spice in "that" department yet, so perhaps one day we'll introduce ropes and harnesses behind the bedroom doors, but that would be a whoooole other post.

As with all new athletic endeavors, we decided to try it out first before committing to buying any of the equipment. Lucky us, there's a climbing gym just 5 minutes away from our apartment. With a two for one coupon in hand we signed up for a three hour climbing lesson which included one week of unlimited climbing and a free equipment rental for one day. Our lesson included how to top rope climb which involves: how to properly tie in, set up the belay device and how to properly belay.

Well, we absolutely loved it! We went out that afternoon and bought our own equipment: the shoes ($59 for mine), the harnesses ($89 each), a belay device ($30), a chalk bag ($7) and some chalk ($5 for a big bag). It's really an amazing workout. Let's just say that before I started climbing I could not do a single chin up, but now I'm up to 5 and am hoping to be strong enough to do more very soon. In addition, it's a fun indoor sport for couples . Trust and communication are important when climbing because you have the person on the floor belaying and in control of the "lifeline" and you have the climber who must trust in and be comfortable in communicating their needs to the belayer. It's also great fun to work as a team to solve climbing problems or discuss different ways of finishing the same climb.

Although having separate activities and interests helps to define you as an individual, it's also important to share new experiences and discover new things you love together as a couple. I take painting and belly dancing classes, he plays hockey and basketball. Together we love to climb.