Gym Climbing Dillema

I have been climbing at the Momentum gyms on the Wasatch front off and on for about a year now, and because my friend has a hook up, it has always been for free. I now want to get more serious, and become a better climber, but my friend who can get me into momentum for free just plays baseball and hangs out like high schoolers do. I need to go to the gym more often, but because I have never paid before, I am having a hard time forking up $17 for a day entry, or $400 for a 6 month pass.

I recognize the ridiculousness of this question, and I know the obvious answer, but I want to hear if anyone has an idea for me to get a discount, or find a way to "cheat the system." I have too many hobbies that could use a $400 investment for me to just buy the membership without at least posting a ridiculous thread...

I hope you guys can laugh at a poor high school kid, and maybe suggest some crazy ideas for me to save some dough and avoid paying high dollar for a gym membership.

Get a job.

Offer to scrub the toilets every night.

If you're really serious about training and becoming a better climber (and you need Momentum to do that) then you'll find a way to raise the $400 without "cheating the system".

I share your pain, I feel that way about the Gunks, unfortunately there is no cure and you should take up baseball, or miniature baseball...

I work and do school so I can't always get to the crag, but like you I'm trying to push my performance. I don't know where you got $400 per 6 months or if I'm just out of touch with prices, I pay $63 a month after taxes and that comes out to $750 for the year. My wife and I know it is a decent sum to give up every month, but she is cool and knows climbing is about the only outlet I have. But honestly depending on where you are in life 63 bucks is not too bad for a monthly membership to 3 separate gyms and I've heard of another bouldering gym coming to downtown SLC. I'm jealous of your hookup, must have been nice. But while it may seem like a lot, I think it is worth it for me. See you 'round.

Have you checked The Front climbing club? I think they have a student deal for about $40 month to month. The slc location is only bouldering, however.

Does the gym not seem like the obvious way to get a lot better? I climb whenever I can in our canyons, but I don't have a partner willing to climb more frequently.

If you get married you can get the couples rate of $599 with a savings of $100 per person. Maybe she'll be your sugar momma too. Is that the kind of crazy dough saving idea you were looking for?

You should probably just get a job though. Maybe a job at momentum.

Consider inquiring about volunteering opportunities. They run a ton of summer kid programs through there and may need a hand managing the masses. After a summer of doing this, a $400 fee with no obligations will seem like a great deal!

Momentum is looking for coaches to help with their youth programs, two hours a week buys you a membership and pro deal

Daniel S Parker wrote:Momentum is looking for coaches to help with their youth programs, two hours a week buys you a membership and pro deal

+1 for working at the gym. Though I'm sure there are also cheaper gyms in the area that you could try..

Another idea (if you're the handy type) is to build a small system wall in your garage/basement/yard. A campus board and hangboard are really all you need to improve power and finger strength.

Can you climb outside ?

Do high schoolers now lawns/do yard work anymore or have all the mower men taken over that industry?

Tom, the Gunks yearly pass is around $85 for climbers....

I'm aware. I only get there 1-2 times a year, as I live right outside North Conway, and there are endless free climbing choices here. It was meant as a joke, like the rest of the post...

800 a year is a ton. Anyway I am able to pay by the month with a year commitment for $50 a month ask if they have a plan like that maybe.

Stop trying to "cheat the system". Get a job, at the gym if you can. It's time to learn this lesson. You're age doesn't excuse anything. Please think of how you can make this community better and not steal from it.

Tim Lutz wrote:^^ Lol! easy broski, this be a young dirtbag in training. He is trying to 'cheat the system' of a multi million dollar facility. Momentum is doing just fine, and people are lining up to shell out $400 every 6 months.

That's bullshit. If he's a young climber, he probably should get a job there or somewhere else for that matter. Or go climb outside. Or twenty other things that show integrity and hard work.

Alec Whitney wrote:I have too many hobbies that could use a $400 investment for me to just buy the membership...

There appears to be an obvious answer to at least some of your financial problem.

Tim Lutz wrote: Whatever do you associate 'integrity' with the long tradition of dirtbagging to climb?

I certainly wouldn't associate the word integrity with you, based on your posts.

I have a job, and work 12-18 hours a week in an office. So actually not having enough money isn't the problem, the problem is that it seems like too much. And, my friend's brother is a top manager of all three gyms... (i would hardly consider myself "cheating the system" going for free with him)

Tim Lutz wrote: Whatever dude, the Stonedmasters didn't need no job to climb, do you associate 'integrity' with the long tradition of dirtbagging to climb? Reality is, yeah, dude has to make money to get an overpriced gym membership, but I like his attitude none the less

Other then some misplaced romantic fantasy I don't think you have a clue as to what actual "dirtbagging" is. One hint - it doesn't involve the Internet (unless maybe you name is Chongo).