Gym engages clients physically, mentally

What inspired you to open this business?

Andy and I have climbed all over the world and have been in some amazing indoor climbing gyms in our travels. One of the best features of most of these gyms is this amazing sense of community you feel when you’re in them, even if you’re not a local. It was something we felt Las Vegas was largely missing.

What is the biggest misconception or a common doubt that people have about rock climbing?

The biggest misconception is that you have to be strong or in shape to even try climbing. We have a wide variety of climbing at all levels so that if you are new and have never tried before, no matter where you are in our gym, you can find something that you can climb. We also offer Introduction to Climbing Classes five days a week, so if you need a little help your first time, we’re there for you.

How does yoga assist with rock climbing?

Yoga, like climbing, is bodyweight-only exercising that improves strength, balance and coordination. Since they complement each other, people who climb tend to gravitate toward it as something else they enjoy, and people who do yoga also tend to enjoy climbing as well.

How does rock climbing tap into mental and emotional stimulations?

Unlike many activities, such as running or cycling, where you can get into a rhythm and just go, climbing requires a huge amount of mental engagement to be successful. Each route is like a giant puzzle, and it’s up to you to figure out how to put it together. The best part is that the puzzle is slightly different for everyone — what worked for your friend may not work for you — so ultimately it’s just you and the route. The feeling of accomplishment when you finally put it together is like nothing I’ve every experienced elsewhere; it’s hugely rewarding, and the best part is that there are an infinite number of puzzles to be done, all slightly different.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

Unlike many small businesses, climbing gyms can’t grow into their spaces; they have to open in an all-or-nothing capacity. Andy and I spent years figuring out the funding, design, and finding the right space to open Origin.

What’s the most important part of your job?

We work hard to price ourselves in a way to ensure that just about anyone can come in and be a part of our community, but that means we have to do a lot more with less, and it’s a constant challenge to manage that.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

I’ve lived in Las Vegas for more than 30 years and I’ve been involved in small business most of my life, but this is my first time at the helm of one. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that this town by its nature is not super friendly to small businesses. The transient nature of the city, along with how the different areas are developed, means people who move here are always looking for something familiar. When your potential customers are in the habit of looking for the familiar, it’s hard to get onto their radar, and as a result, growing the business has been a challenge.