El Cap Climbing Gyms Experience Uptick in Interest Following Sport Climbing’s Debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics
Industry: Health & Fitness
Interest in Indoor Climbing Piqued by Olympic Coverage, Inspiring New Comers To Discover More about Climbing and the Communities that Support the Sport
Englewood, CO (PRUnderground) August 23rd, 2021
El Cap, the nation’s largest community of indoor climbing gyms, today reported a surge of new interest in indoor climbing at its fitness facilities nationwide following the debut of sport climbing as an official sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
El Cap’s website traffic grew substantially (by 45%) the week sport climbing was featured at the Olympic Games – compared to the week prior. El Cap’s fitness facilities across the country have also reported increased gym visits over this summer, typically an ‘off-peak’ season, reaching the highest number of visits since the pandemic began.
“We’re so excited to see this influx of both young and adult participants coming to our gyms curious to learn more about climbing and bouldering,” said Robert Cohen, El Cap’s CEO. “For us climbing is so much more than a sport or hobby – it’s instrumental in promoting mental, emotional, and physical growth, something many people in our communities are looking to do right now.”
During this year’s Summer Olympic Games, sport climbing was introduced to television audiences globally. 40 pro-climbers, both men and women, competed in the newly-added category which featured three disciplines: speed, bouldering, and lead climbing. Climbers were tasked with ascending steep walls, using pre-arranged, strategically placed, hand holds, of varying difficulty, calling on them to combine strength, speed, and agility to master the climbing route.
This media exposure initiated a wave of fresh interest in indoor climbing, both from a young generation seeking a community driven sport to those looking to take their recreational pursuit to the next level. In fact, El Cap’s pro gear shops summer sales have currently exceeded their 2019 summer sales – with shoes and harnesses, requisite gear for new climbers gearing up, being the top sellers.
El Cap’s visit numbers are not the only ones reflecting the uptick in rock climbing interest. Recent Google Analytics reports show a significant surge in search inquiries about sport climbing in the periods leading up to, during, and even after the Summer Olympic Games, many originating from Colorado.
“While Colorado is a hot spot for the sport, we’re seeing interest from people all over the country, especially in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington DC where people are making climbing their fitness activity of choice,” reports Cohen.
El Cap gyms offer a variety of climbing routes for all ages and skillsets and are staffed by knowledgeable climbing enthusiasts, and feature yoga studios and fitness classes.
To learn more about the gym and sign up for updates visit:
About Movement Climbing, Yoga, and Fitness
Movement is the largest nationwide community of indoor climbing gyms. Every Movement facility is committed to growing the climbing community through a shared vision to empower personal transformation. Movement gyms feature bouldering, top-roping, lead climbing, and amenities like yoga studios, functional fitness, cardio zones, and climbing gear shops. Each facility caters to participants of all abilities – from competitive athletes to weekend adventurers and families.
Learn more at Movement Gyms.
