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THE LOCAL
Name: Josh Higgins
Age: 31
Employment: Quality-control chemist
Years climbing: 11
What’s your favorite feature of the gym? The yoga studio is a great resource, allowing me to focus on weaknesses, and it provides a nice mellow workout when I’m devastated and recovering from my latest adventure outdoors. All of the yoga instructors are top-notch, provide great feedback, and have their own style.
The weights allow me to work on my opposing muscles and build strength after my climbing workout. Previously, I would never lift weights because I didn’t have the time to relocate to another gym after climbing. Now I can do both in the same day and have a rest day in between workouts.
The finger crack at Mesa Rim is a brutal workout and is definitely still a project. It’s the perfect training tool for me to improve my lockoff strength for Equinox, Nautilus, and Moonlight Buttress.
When are the best sessions? The gym is large enough that I’m never crowded out of any area, and the social atmosphere defi nitely makes for a better experience.
Who’s your favorite setter? Happily, I don’t have one at Mesa Rim. I have fully enjoyed every route I’ve gotten on. It’s night and day compared to other gyms I’ve frequented. That said, I believe that my favorite single route so far was set by Aron Couzens.
Inside info? If you want to lead, you have to bring your own rope. It’s extra nice because there are multiple lead-only areas and so you have more options. Also, some of the routes that are in the toprope area can be led if you bring your own quickdraws.
To relax your muscles after a grueling workout, try out the sauna. Head into the locker room 10 minutes before you’re done, and crank the heat up so it’s ready to go when you’re finished.
What's the vibe like? Chill.
Think your gym is a Plastic Paradise? Email us at plasticparadise@urbanclimbermag.com. If we feature your spot in the mag, your gym will win a custom XXL feature designed and poured by Three Ball Climbing (threeballclimbing.com). This issue’s featured gym will receive this mondo Limestone 47 hold.