The results are in for the March 16th USA Climbing sanctioned SCS/CCS climbing competition event at MetroRock North's rock climbing center in Newburyport.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESULTS!

The results are in for the March 16th USA Climbing sanctioned SCS/CCS climbing competition event at MetroRock North's rock climbing center in Newburyport.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESULTS!

I love handstand. I’ve never worked so diligently on one pose despite falling over and over again, all the while maintaining a sincere enthusiasm for the work I was doing. Through that process I learned more than just the biomechanics of the pose, I learned that in order to succeed at anything in life, it takes equal parts patience and determination.

I will preface any instruction for handstand by sharing that patience is key when
practicing handstand. Know that even though progress can seem slow and can even seemingly move backwards at times, it all adds up.

MetroRock Presents: March Madness Ropes Comps! On two Saturdays in March, we will be hosting rope comps for climbers of all ages and abilities.

The first event is in Newburyport on March 16th. In the morning, the kids will take to the ropes for a USA Climbing sanctioned SCS local comp. After the dust settles and the prizes are given out, we'll open registration again for the college and adult climbers for a late afternoon CCS/adult open comp. Both comps on this date will be redpoint format--climbers can make as many attempts as they can get in the time allowed.

Two weeks later, on the 30th, we move the show to Everett for a similar but different set of events. Again in the morning, the kids run the show in a youth open (not SCS sanctioned). And again, a few hours later, the college kids and adults take to the ropes for their turn. This time around, we'll be running a flash format comp where you only get one turn per route with your high point being your final score for the route.

The full schedule and details can be found here.

Navasana- Boat Pose

Developing a strong core is a vital component to improving your climbing technique and skill. Think of creating a strong core as laying a strong foundation for the rest of the body. A strong core will support the lower back, improve posture and balance, and even improve digestion. Thankfully, the yoga practice includes many poses that develop and reinforce core stability.

You may have noticed the blue route placards going up in Everett recently. They mark routes that will be open for judging in the route setting contest starting this weekend. Who decides which routes are the winners? You do!

Chaturanga Dandasana- Four Limbed Staff Pose

For many yoga practitioners, Chaturanga can become a quick stop on the way to Downward Facing Dog. While this pose is often used as a transition pose, it is important to keep the integrity of the pose in the process. When done correctly, Chaturanga builds strength in the upper body, wrists, and core. Chaturanga also builds the foundation for many arm balances. However, when done improperly, Chaturanga can compress the shoulder girdle and the lower back. By taking the time to learn proper alignment, this pose can become an important strength building portion of your yoga practice.

January is Membership Drive month at MetroRock! During the month, we're offering big savings on your annual memberships. Whether you've never had a membership, yours is expiring or you've got plenty of time left on it, now is the time to sign up.

This year, we're offering you a choice:
All annual memberships are on sale with your choice of one of the following benefits:

• Get 10% off an annual membership (includes adult, student, or family)
• $100 coupon for a pair of climbing shoes (not available for EFT)
• Start an EFT membership with no activation fee

If you want to buy a two year membership, you get both 10% off AND a $100 coupon for shoes!

In case you still aren't convinced to get a membership, the chart below shows pretty clearly how you'll save:

Want to know what you'll get? Click to see what perks members receive.

Kasia Pietras wrestles with women's final problem #2. Photo by Mike Halsall.

This past weekend Everett hosted the third round of competition of the 2013 Dark Horse Bouldering Series and it was a hell of a show! Competitors came from near and far to take part and made it one of the most exciting rounds to date.

Do have an old pair of climbing shoes that can still be useful? Donate them to the YMCA!

Any shoes that are gently worn and can be repaired or resoled would be accepted by the Y for their youth climbing programs. All sizes and styles will be gratefully accepted.

Bring the shoes with you to the Everett gym and drop them in the box in the lobby. Good deed accomplished, you can go ahead and climb with a nice warm feeling inside!