The original Peak Experiences in Chesterfield County. Credit: Peak Experiences

Check out the piece in today’s Times-Dispatch by Tammie Smith about the two new rock climbing gyms in Central Va. Triangle Rock Club near Staples Mill Road and West Broad Street opened in March, and locally-owned Peak Experiences is opening a second gym later this month at the Sports Center of Richmond complex on Overbrook Road. Peak’s first gym, in Chesterfield County, has been open since 1998.

What’s interesting about the piece is how both gyms offer far more than rock climbing. Smith describes them as the new breed of commercial climbing gyms…In addition to walls with climbing routes marked by color-coded holds jutting out, each has an area for bouldering…as well as weight rooms, fitness centers, rooms for yoga and other group exercise classes. These centers have places to sit and mingle and grab a snack and event space for climbing-themed gatherings.

Click here for the rest of the article.