Climb to New Heights with ARC
If you’re looking for a new way to tackle your fitness goals this year, consider ARC, Sudbury’s very own indoor climbing and fitness facility. Since opening its doors in November of 2014, ARC has been a haven for climbing enthusiasts, who can now enjoy their favourite activity year round.
We recently sat down with Laura Schmidt, Programming and Marketing Manager, to learn more about this unique facility.
What was the inspiration for opening ARC in Sudbury?
Our team of owners, Andrew, Allan and Joe are really passionate climbers and are heavily involved in the outdoor climbing community here and they recognized that this would be a great opportunity for Sudbury and something the city really needed. So far, the reception to the facility has been wonderful, and it’s brought the climbing community of Sudbury together as well as introduced so many new people to the sport, so we’re thrilled about that.
What services does ARC offer?
Climbing
We offer a variety of different options for climbing, including drop-in climbing, youth and adult lessons, and we offer a lot of courses for people who want to learn about lead climbing, belaying and how to improve their technique.
One of our most popular offers is an intro to climbing package that costs $40. It includes a two-hour lesson and you get a week of unlimited climbing with the equipment rentals included.
For people who prefer to climb in groups, we have social nights and those are a great way to get some climbing in while meeting some wonderful people. We also offer group bookings such as birthday parties, school trips and corporate team-building workshops.
Yoga and Fitness Studio
In our studio we offer a variety of yoga classes and we’re fully equipped for hot yoga as well. Our classes are appropriate for all levels of experience and we also offer unique yoga workshops on a monthly basis.
On January 10, we’re starting a yoga challenge. This is a community-centered 30-day journey of yoga, meditation, self-inquiry, health topics and group discussions. If you’re looking for a fun way to kickstart your health and fitness goals for the year, definitely sign up!
What are the health benefits of climbing?
The best thing about climbing is that it’s a full body activity and there’s a strength and cardio component to it, so it really is a challenging workout while having fun. Climbing is also great for stress relief and can help you manage fear, anxiety and boost your mood.
What can someone expect during his or her first visit to ARC?
When you come into ARC for the first time you will always be greeted by someone at the front desk who will provide a waiver to sign, which is required to participate in any of the programs at the facility.
If you want to save some time, you can fill out the waiver online ahead of time.
From there, we’ll get you set up with all the gear you’ll need to start and make sure your harness is on properly. You don’t need any previous climbing experience. We offer a full orientation, which includes a tour of the facility, information on what types of climbing we offer and we’ll show you how to clip into the auto-belays so you can begin climbing independently.
I think there’s sometimes a perception that you need a certain level of skill or experience to climb here and you really don’t – climbing is for everyone. You can walk in the door having never climbed before, and be at the top of the wall thirty minutes later.
What makes ARC unique?
Climbing isn’t offered anywhere else in the city and it’s a really great activity. One thing I like about climbing is that you can be very self-directed or it can be a social activity with friends.
Climbing is also very goal-oriented and you can always leave feeling some aspect of success while at the same time having a project to work on for next time. There’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment that you get from climbing and that’s something unique that ARC helps deliver.
To learn more about ARC and the services that they offer please visit arcclimbing.ca
Phil Howard
Phil Howard is a Business Communications graduate, avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. The New England Patriots are his favourite team and in the summer, he can be found on the baseball field at Terry Fox.
Recommended Posts
SUDBURY COMMUTER CHALLENGE IS UNDERWAY
June 02, 2019
Eats & Asana with Selina Rose
May 24, 2018
Top Five Fitness Classes: Melbrook Martial Arts
May 11, 2018