Ascending past constraints through immersion into the social worlds of climbing gyms

Abstract

Gyms are community hubs centered around physical activity and in recent years indoor climbing gyms have witnessed unprecedented growth globally as the sport has moved from extreme to the mainstream. As the sport continues to grow, the industry seeks to understand how to both keep new climbers and progress climbers already invested in the sport. The study sought to understand how individuals encountered and negotiated constraints as they became progressively immersed into the social worlds of the activity. Interviews were conducted with indoor rock climbers in Australia and Canada ranging in experience and social world progression (N = 27). The findings revealed the nature of constraints and the ways in which individuals negotiated them evolved as they become more immersed into the social community of climbing. Practically, this research provides the climbing industry with insight on how to assist in creating and maintaining climbing communities to foster continued participation.