This is a lifestyle blog. Yes, it would be easy to review restaurant after restaurant, but my goal is to bring you something that reviews all aspects of London life. Whether planning an itinerary for guests, or figuring out what to do with your weekend, I want to tick all of the boxes that create a well-rounded existence. Physical fitness is a big part of that for me. It’s what makes all of my eating and drinking possible, after all! So today, I bring to you one of my favorite places, the Westway Sports Centre. More specifically, their climbing gym.

Rock climbing is fun. It’s physical and mental, appropriate for all ages, genders, and body types, and is extremely social. I’ve climbed indoors and gone on outdoor climbing excursions and have always had a great time. Climbing with large groups is great for laughs and friendly competition, and having little climbing dates with my husband is good for our relationship and even brings us closer together. Climbing is a true trust building exercise and one of the few where you are actually putting your life into someone else’s hands. Couples who climb together, stay together. I have no idea if that’s true, but I definitely see the positive affects of climbing on my relationship. And not to mention my body! It’s a workout. You build muscle and break a sweat. You also give your mind a workout, too. Some routes can be very challenging, and you really need to use your brain to solve the puzzle of how to get to the top of the wall. It’s really quite cool.

So, now that I’ve sold you on climbing, you need a place to go. And that’s where the Westway Sports Centre comes in. Located in West London, the Westway is a giant fitness center that offers tennis, climbing, and has some outdoor sports fields. For £10.00 a day, non-members can utilize the climbing gym under the supervision of someone with a Westway membership or a trainer that is on staff. Personal climbing trainers or coaches are a great way to start, so you learn how to climb the right way and know the basics in climbing safety. Once you feel comfortable to go on your own, you can take the membership test. The 10 minute test on the fundamentals of rock climbing proves your competency on the wall and helps insure you are not a safety risk to yourself or others. Then it’s happy climbing to you for only £10.00 per visit or £53.00 per month for an unlimited climbing membership.

 

 
The climbing gym has around 350 routes for all levels. There are 4 auto-belay machines to assist you in climbing solo. There are enough bouldering walls and top-rope and lead climbing routes to ensure that there is never a wait and there’s always something to climb. Sure, there are definitely hours that can be a little congested (especially with cute but very loud and annoying children’s lessons), but overall, it’s a roomy gym. The energy in the gym is great. It’s a colorful place with relaxed, happy people.

And if you’re all climbed out, or just need to take a break, the Westway has a Crussh Cafe to grab a coffee or food, and have a proper visit with friends. You could also check out Urban Rock, the equipment and clothing store within the facility. There, you can actually rent the harness and shoes needed for climbing. This is a great option if you’re just starting out and not yet sure if climbing is for you. I’m sure you’ll decide it is and have your own kit in no time! So, next time you’re looking for a social and healthy activity, be sure to head to the Westway Sports Centre.

 

 
 

Westway Sports Centre
1 Crowthorne Road
London W10 6RP