Movement Belmont

Kenton Anderson

a year ago · ★ 4

I'm reviewing this gym as a training facility for rock climbing. I have not been to any of their yoga or fitness classes, so I can't comment on that. The good: 1. As far as an all around training facility, this place is above average. I've been to climbing gyms across the country, and this one has just about everything. Bouldering, TR, lead cave, a variety of cracks, and they just installed new exercise equipment (Feb 2025). They have a good variety of free weights and machines. They always have a good mix of climbing routes/bouldering problems from intro level to advanced. 2. They're constantly re-setting routes/problems somewhere in the gym. They have a schedule posted for when they will re-set routes in specific parts of the gym, so if you have a project you're working on, you won't be surprised when it changes. 3. Friendly staff. They've always been super helpful whenever it is needed. 4. Texture on the walls. It seems like most new gyms use Walltopia, but this old school texture is slightly more realistic, especially when climbing the cracks. 5. They just installed new AC and there is new lighting in the bouldering pits. The ventilation is pretty decent. I have been in gyms where I can see chalk in the air. That's not a problem here. 6. Classes. Movement has some good skills classes at all their facilities. I've taken a couple, and I think they're pretty good. The not so good: 1. It's the only climbing gym on the mid-peninsula (unless you have access to the tiny Stanford gym). That's not a Belmont problem though, and at least there is a gym for this area. But it's the only option in one of the most densely populated areas of the country. Like most climbing gyms, it gets busy between about 4-8pm. I try to climb in the mornings when it is not crowded for this reason. Otherwise, you can expect to wait your turn, and you have to really be cognizant of the people climbing around you. Both Belmont and Touchstone have announced new bouldering gyms which should open in the near future - hopefully that will help disperse the crowds a little. Belmont will still be the only ropes gym in the area though. 2. Size. I've heard people complain about the gym's size. It's really more about the growing crowds in the afternoons. Belmont is middle of the pack as far as size when compared to the other Bay Area gyms. Pac Pipe is the largest, and there are several much smaller gyms in the Bay Area. Movement could use another gym in the mid-peninsula for it's growing clientele. 3. There are no cracks on lead. They should really install some draws next to one (or more) of the cracks on the foam wall to somewhat simulate climbing cracks on gear. 4. Lead checks have to be scheduled well in advance. I've done lead checks at other gyms with little or no advance notice. I've had friends try to do drop-in lead checks several times at Belmont with no luck. It seems that most of the employees should be qualified to do this, but I don't think that's the case.

Luke Z

a year ago · ★ 5

Refreshed workout equipments are very welcomed. Also I’m satisfied with the frequency the climbing route changes. I appreciate that the continuous effort of management and staff to make it a better gym.

Emily Zhang

a year ago · ★ 5

This gym has done the most improvements out of any gym in the bay. They actively try to improve the experience for their climbers; in the last year they've: - improved the lighting in the bouldering areas - added air conditioning - added a spray wall - got new fitness area equipment - (edit 09/24/2025): added a kilter board Also the fitness area is my favorite in any gym for the number and variety of machines, and pullup bar setup. It's so good to see a gym that is actually willing to make change :) keep doing what you're doing, belmont Feedback: - set more static crimp lines - please clean your fans they look atrocious. please. my lungs q.q This gym is definitely on the older and smaller side, but definitely still fun to go to.

p c

6 months ago · ★ 1

Very disappointed and will not be going back, Employee didn’t believe my child was 13 years old and kept harassing my child questioning age. Place is filthy, young staff at front reception didn’t care and once paid for climbing gear they forgot to provide. Was also told they weren’t doing belaying classes, but saw other staff members doing classes on belaying. It ruined my childs day.

Bo

a year ago · ★ 5

I always loved this location! Their two bouldering areas are fun with routes constantly changing, and a ton of top rope routes as well. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, with a small gear shop to get shoes or any of the other climbing essentials you want/need. They also offer day passes and rental gear if you're just starting out or want to try out the location! Parking isn't the best, but it's worth it for the climbing! Climb on!