There’s now an entirely new way to work out in North Brooklyn. Earlier this month, bouldering and fitness gym VITAL opened at 221 North 14th Street, offering classes, rental space, and other programs to active Brooklynites.
“This area is a great spot for us,” said VITAL co-founder David Sacher. “The neighborhood is just so alive with people out looking to enjoy their lives and their city. We create a place for people to come where they can meet their neighbors and spend time while learning something new.
“Climbing is an incredible way to get to know people because it allows you to take on and overcome challenges together,” he added.
With other locations in California and Washington, VITAL aims to make both experienced and novice climbers feel welcome. The Brooklyn site is currently operating at 50 percent capacity ( 375 people) due to the pandemic, but is open to members 24/7.
Non-members can sign up for classes and day passes.
“It really becomes a second home to people,” Sacher explained, “especially since we have work space, showers, a fire pit, and a restaurant. People never want to leave.”
Memberships at VITAL is $125 a month and include unlimited climbing, yoga, cycling, aerial fitness, and access to classes. Sacher is confident that the gym will attract Brooklynites who have never tried rock climbing before.
“We are bouldering only, which means you don’t need a climbing partner or a harness or knowledge about how to tie knots,” he said. “You can just show up in your street clothes, throw on some rental shoes, and immediately start climbing.
“It’s such a fun vibe that I’ve heard from quite a few folks already who have gotten a membership just because they like hanging out there so much,” he added.
Sacher is also hopeful that the convenient location near the G and L trains and stunning views of Manhattan will attract even more visitors.
“We have a huge rooftop climbing garden with great views of the city,” he explained. “We’re still putting the finishing touches on this space, and I think it would be fun to throw a mid-summer party there next month once all the details are dialed in.”
The team at VITAL offers free tours of their new location. More information about the gym can also be found at VITALClimbingGym.com. Follow @vitalbrooklyn on Instagram for more pictures of the new site.
