What do you really think of how the climbing feature in health clubs simulate real climbing!?
Climbing walls rarely mimic natural rock accurately. In recent years textured walls, slope, overhangs, and size/shape of holds have improved, but ultimately climbing walls are always going to be nothing more than a series of predesignated hand and foot holds. Ledges, fist holds, jamming, cracks, and lots of other features commonly found on natural rock are rarely seen in a gym or sport route. Additionally, climbing in gym gives the climber only the very basic safety skills. There is no worry of weather, falling rocks, dropped gear, sunburn, hypothermia, insects, and a list of other things one experiences in the outdoors. Likewise, the knowledge of ropes, anchors, and protection use is negligible. Lastly, Gym climbing usually involves short climbs only. While climbing outside can also involve only short routes too, the only way you’ll ever experience long routes is by climbing on real rock.
