By James Reece,
Chris Cunningham
and Scott Allen
The Scene staff
The adventurous Forest Park student can get college credit and an adrenaline fix with a Beginning Rock Climbing class.
“You do not have to be in the best of shape or even have experience,” said instructor Mark Applegate. “It’s more of a mental challenge, getting over that initial fear.”
Rock-climbing can be good exercise.
“Even if you’re unable to do one pull-up,” Applegate said, “this class will give you a basic level of fitness.”
Student Joe Roth, 19, veterinary medicine major, said he was he was surprised by how different rock climbing was from traditional exercise.
“I worked out in high school, weight lifting and so on, but this is not the same,” he said.
The one-credit class has brought unexpected benefits.
“I’m taking a lot of labs and a composition class, so it’s a stress reliever,” Roth said. “When you are climbing, you aren’t thinking of other stuff. You are just thinking about how to get up the wall.”
The class takes place at Climb So iLL in Lafayette Square, about five miles from the Forest Park campus. It’s a modern, 1-year-old facility with new brick walls, clean structural beams and exposed ductwork.
Natural light pours in from 2½-story windows. That makes it feel more like a natural environment, where rock climbing would normally occur.
“You truly get a sense of freedom, and all while building a strong core and center of your body,” said Sophie Kiem, 21, a general studies student.
Cardiac sonographer major Jessie Hansen, 27, was a beginning rock-climber before taking the class. She has noticed some changes.
“It gives you quiet feet and hands,” she said. “And it’s a thing of beauty as you climb.”
Kiem is more experienced. She has been rock climbing for two years but still finds the class challenging.
“The hardest thing is the natural fear of falling,” she said. “But you have ropes and padding to catch and protect you.”
Climb So iLL has rope stations, walls up to 55 feet, a training area with 24-hour access and a bouldering terrain.
Midway through the semester, students are left to their own devices with free rock climbs. In tethered three-story climbs, students help spot each other.
“Proper safety and technique is emphasized heavily,” Applegate said.
Beginning Rock Climbing will be offered in the spring. Hours are 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.