For those without a fear of heights, the Niagara Climbing Center in North Tonawanda offers 20-foot walls where people of all experience levels can let out their inner Spider-Man.
After strapping on a harness and patting some chalk on your palms, an employee fills you in on basic climbing, and then you're left to your own devices. Break a light sweat scaling up the beginner walls, or challenge your friends to maneuver around a trickier incline.
Become a regular and they may even let you attempt to cross the 30-foot-long horizontal roof.
There is almost always an adrenaline-pumping playlist blasting through the gym's speakers, and the other climbers never hesitate to lend some insider tips, making the atmosphere perfect for conquering a wall.
It's a total body workout that you won't realize you've had until the next morning when your arms are too sore to lift a cup of coffee. But the rush that comes from smacking that last rock at the top of the wall and looking out over the people below as you gasp for air - that makes it all worth it.
The gym is located at 1333 Strad Ave. and offers $10 day passes and a discount on Saturday night. Shoes, harnesses and chalk are there for the renting. See their Web site for more information at niagaraclimbingcenter.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
