Buffalo, NY I was raised right here in Buffalo. I went to Lancaster High School where I spent most of my life pretty involved in dance and all things art related.
How did you get into your profession?
I began climbing consistently about 4 years ago. My love for the sport turned into me wanting to make it my career. Being a ballerina my whole life I was so used to being delicate and strong. Climbing however pushed me to the max with a different sort of strength. As a small female it gave me power and confidence I never thought I could have in my life. I still climb like a ballerina which makes for a static controlled climber where a taller bulky climber might opt for a more powerful dynamic set of skills. All of which are beneficial to climbing. With rock climbing there is always another thing. You can set goals and as soon as you reach them you can move onto another one. Whether it is another grade, style, outdoor experience there is ALWAYS more.
What did you study in school?
Surprisingly, I went to school for Culinary. I have a love for nutrition and health.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment so far is opening this climbing gym. The team I have been working with has made this a breeze and we all work so incredibly well together.
What is your favorite feature of Central Rock Gym?
My favorite feature of Central Rock Gym would definitely have to be the community it builds. Each Central Rock location brings together all sorts of climbers from beginners to advanced. No matter what your level of climbing people will jump at the chance to welcome you in and give you a place to call home.
What services do you provide at Central Rock Gym?
CRG has a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym with Rogue Fitness. We have everything from treadmills/ellipticals, spin bikes to power lifting stations and free weights/kettlebells. There are also hangboards, trx stations and foam rollers available.
An amazing perk is we have a full yoga studio as well. The bonus to this is the more we grow the more classes and class styles we can add. It is all based off of our members wants/needs.
On top of the gym we also offer fitness classes that include HIIT, strength training, core and circuit style training. We are also looking into a form and injury prevention class!
Not only all of that but we, of course, offer climbing classes. An hour long Intro to Belay Class is our most popular. It teaches you all that you need to safely belay someone in any one of the Central Rock Gyms and many other gyms. A three hour long Learn to Lead class is for the more adventurous climber looking to broaden their options inside the gym and outdoor rope climbing. For our members we have this awesome Climbing Progression Program that is free to really up your climbing game. It gives you the tools and techniques to challenge yourself further and level up.
What makes Central Rock Gym unique?
CRG is unique because we not only want to cater to any health junkie, but we also look to create a more full experience to ANY new comer. We can hold large events for corporate and birthday parties. We also love the idea of giving the gift of an experience over a material thing. Come June, that experience can broaden even further when Resurgence Brewery opens a two-story taproom and restaurant.
What ages can visit Central Rock Gym?
CRG can accommodate almost every age. If your 2 year old wants to come try the kids bouldering wall, they absolutely can. I see families that bring their 3 month olds to come hang out as they take turns on the walls. We do recommend ages 5 and older just to give them a full experience. However, we don’t turn anyone away!
Do you climb? If so, do you have a favorite wall to climb at Central Rock Gym?
Climbing is my number one passion. Besides meeting like minded people my favorite aspect of climbing is the mental benefits it gives you. For me my mood will instantly improve when I start climbing. I can go from having the worst day ever to forgetting about that in an instant. It is completely my form of meditation. I have always been more into bouldering than rope climbing so my favorite feature (in our gym) is really the bouldering island in full. I love the cave which forces you to climb the really powerful moves and pushes your core to the max. We have close to 100 boulder problems so there is never a lack of projects by any means. When it comes to ropes we have some sick features that are just the most impressive when it comes to indoor climbing. The Queen City Arch is this massive Lead only area that is just as fun as our Queen City.
What’s the highest you climbed? Mountains? Favorite places?/
As a boulderer, height is not always a factor. With no ropes or harnesses you are limited by the risk factor in climbing up too high. I did some outdoor climbing when I was living down in Texas but haven’t really ventured outdoors up here yet. I have only been back in Buffalo a few months now and I am so stoked for the Buffalo Climbing Community to introduce me to the outdoor areas we have in our state and surrounding areas. I also just really enjoy all things outdoors, whether it’s working on becoming a 46’er or going to the beach and being on the water.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone trying Central Rock Gym for the first time, what would it be?
Go in and expect to meet some awesome people. You may be intimidated by how advanced some climbers are, but it is an art and a sport they have honed over years. Dive right in and try as much as you possibly can. Keep your arms straight and don’t rely on your upper body. Move and USE your legs as much as possible. We all love this sport so much so if you need help ask any staff member or any climber. I promise you will never be turned away!
