First place I ever climbed in. Less than a month later, I decided to become a member and have been one ever since. The Central Rock Gym separates their routes using hold colors which is much better than gyms that put stickers near each route. The gym is clean and staff if very friendly. A member of the staff, James, had a strong role in getting us into the sport. read more

See all

My interaction with the staff has always been a pleasant one; they definitely know what they're doing and are definitely passionate about rock climbing. The facilities are also well-maintained since they are clean and properly managed. My biggest concern for this place, however, is the affordability of the memberships. I'm sure the up-keeping of the facility can be expensive, but the prices only attract a particular group of people. Perhaps this is intentional; I am always looking for places that seek to incorporate diversity, both economically and racially. Keeping up with the monthly membership price is surely not sustainable for someone who lives off minimum wage or, even for someone who makes a bit more. Thus, though this can be a fun and safe place for the community, it lacks the actual representation of the latter. Moreover, no incentive programs currently exist to make this place a bit more affordable for the average working-class family in the city. Now, while they do have a family plan, it is exclusively for immediate family. I tried to create a membership with my older brothers but, was told that the family membership was only for my spouse and children. of which I have neither. This is truly a disappointment since with the single membership, you can only bring a guest with you once a month; after that there is a fee. So, if you're someone like me, who likes to bring a friend along to help with climbing or to encourage you with working out, this isn't the place for you. Unless of course, you friend wants to purchase a membership, too. But again, it´s just not cost-efficient or worth it for the average low/medium income person. But, for those of you who make a good amount of money, this place can definitely be worth it. They offer a wide range of workout classes and opportunities to get better at rock climbing. You'll just want to make sure you're taking advantage of everything- to make the dollar count. Overall, I really enjoy rock climbing, and this facility is truly well-managed and maintained. It has a lot of potential to actively engage with the community it's in; however, whether intentional or not, it greatly lacks in being a racially and economically diverse space. This is truly unfortunate for a place as fun and engaging as this one can be. Frankly, it's intimidating when you can count, with one hand, the number of people of color during a typical night, or even to witness the non-existence of the lower/ lower-middle class. And if you're from Worcester, you know it's a large community they're keeping out, a community that is greatly diverse. This facility has the opportunity to bring people together, but unfortunately, the prices hinder this from doing so and have instead, settled for just one particular group. And oh! the prices just recently went up $5.00 for all memberships. read more

Of the rock gyms in the area, this is by far the largest. The staff are friendly, the price of rentals is average, and the belaying class is the cheapest around. Trust me, I've looked. The only downside is they rate their climbs a bit harder than they really are. Subtract half a grade from whatever it says for a more accurate description. read more

Central Rock Gym - Worcester - My first 5.8 - Fitness & Instruction Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

I go here three days a week. 52 weeks out of the year. It is needless to say but I love it. It was the gym that got me hooked on rock climbing. Since I started I have visited almost every other central rock gym in Massachusetts. Plus I have made a whole list of friends here. read more

This is my first time writing a review after switching over from Citysearch, so bear with me :P. To start off, I'm a climber originally from CA and moved to Boston earlier this year, so this review is for new people and for the somewhat experienced climber. I climb on mostly ropes, but I also love bouldering. Yesterday was my first time at Central Rock Gym with some friends and from just stepping in, the walls absolutely overwhelm and cascade over you. I love heights, so I was very anxious to climb their overhanging walls. As soon as you step in, the spacious check-in is conveniently to your right, where you're greeted by very friendly staff. They explained what's involved, what I needed to do get climbing, et cetera et cetera. Unfortunately, belay certifications doesn't carry over from gym to gym (for insurance and assurance reasons), so my friends and I had to take a belay test before hopping on the ropes, which was free. They have a second floor that has short walls, I guess for kids, beginners, and their classes, which they did explain to me that they offer a variety of classes as an option to all customers. They also have an exercise area with treadmills and weights as well as a yoga area too. Very cool! After the test, we warmed up in the bouldering area and I was immediately attracted to their giant cave. I hopped on a V2 (relatively easy boulder route in layman's terms) and climbed up the super-overhanging cave and I was hooked! My friends followed suit and we just ended up bouldering the entire time we were there! I have to give a special thanks to I think his name was Steve for showing my friends and I around the boulder problems, talking to us and teaching us how to do certain moves (climbers call that "beta", and very patiently I might add because it takes me forever to figure out moves sometimes haha), and being just a wonderful host. We had to bug him several times with questions on how to do certain boulder problems and he never hesitated in stopping whatever he was doing to help us out. He apparently put up a lot of the boulder problems there too. Later two of my other friends showed up to join us who's been climbing for many years and they said that the "boulder problems at CRG are some of the best they've climbed indoors, especially the harder problems." I don't climb anywhere near as hard as they do, but I have to agree. I've been to quite a few gyms while living in CA and have visited a couple gyms since I came to Boston and the boulder problems here are much friendlier - they aren't as reachy (I'm 5'4") and flows better. I also dislike gyms with boulder problems that require you to jump and throw your hands all the time, so it's a nice to climb well-thought out boulder problems that are technical and makes you think, not how high you can jump. I have to make a separate paragraph for this because it's that incredible. The gym has NO "spinners" (a hold that is usually marked with tape all over it to tell climbers that it can't be used because the bolt that screws the hold to the wall is broken), not a single one! Of all the gyms I've ever been to, I have never seen such well-maintained climbing walls. Even the stickers on the bouldering walls aren't all ripped and mangled up, which is very common in bouldering areas. They must have a dedicated wall maintenance team or something. Very professional! Overall Central Rock Gym is a great gym, very clean (the bathroom is some of the cleanest I've seen in a climbing gym anywhere), very friendly and professional staff, and really good boulder problems. The atmosphere is also much more comfortable - even the regulars are much friendlier, even though they can be a little loud ;). I'm definitely coming back to climb their rope routes next time. Thank you CRG for a wonderful first-time experience! read more

When you go rock climbing, what are you looking for: A. A fun time with friends or kids, where a professional climber will assist you and make sure everything is being done safely? B. A place where you can get trained to climb and use ropes etc by yourself/with a friend--with no ongoing professional help? If you are a serious climber, you will probably say option B. That's great--this place is for you. But I was expecting option A, and was stunned to spend $130 for 3 adults and 2 teens to be left on our own after a 15 minute "class." read more

Central Rock is spacious with lots of different difficulties and bouldering options, but like many other indoor rock climbing gyms, its better to go with a group than by yourself, especially if you're a newbie. There isn't much instruction beyond the simple belay training that is required for the gym to make some extra money. They have 6.12's as well as half of 6.6's if you're a beginner and extremely tired. Its basically the kids' wall, but no one uses it so you can sneak in for a quickie ;). They also have yoga classes, which seemed PACKED, so I guess it must be a good deal. However, there's still some problem with pricing. Even if you have a belay certification somewhere else, they'll expect you to pay for the initial training and membership card. However, the plus is they do provide a picture ID, which adds some legitimacy to the whole thing, but in the end you're just paying to learn what you already know and wasting precious time on a weekday. Like the previous posts, the biggest problem I have is the lack of parking. The gym is spacious and can definitely fit a ton of people, but the parking lot can probably fit half of their cars. I ended up parking on next to the shady nonexistent sidewalk, aka the grassy area. Don't know how safe it was there, but there weren't any cops in the vicinity. Overall, it's a fun time with co-workers or a group of friends, if you're into doing something new. One of the more e exciting things to do in Worcester. read more

Everyone here is super nice (even though the median age of their employees is 19). One person even told me a great place to buy my own climbing accessories (even THEY thought the prices were too expensive and selection too limited to spend money on). Courses are plentiful and constantly changing. And I LOVE that there are some legitimately intermediate courses. Some times when I climb the courses are either too hard or too easy. Well-lit and great atmosphere. I recently moved to Boston and forgo The Rock Spot because Central Rock is really worth the drive. Love love love this place... read more

I've been climbing here for a couple years now. Always clean, professional and fun. Thank you CRG staff for up-keeping such a wonderful and welcoming environment! read more

I went rock climbing with my brother and his family recently. We picked the Central Rock Gym in Worcester because it was centrally locatted and they boast 14,000 sqft of climbing terrain with walls of 15 - 40ft and 3,500 sqft of bouldering walls. I would recommend this facility because it is large with more then enough climbing options for the novice to the professional with the simple to the crazy wall configurations. My 4yo niece and my 35yo brother both had equally great times. While we were there they were hosting a birthday party for kids aged 6-10 and the instructors handled the little ones with ease and professionalism. This isn't my first time here and certainly won't be my last. read more

See all

Not that there are any other choices for rock climbing in the area, but this place is pretty cool. The initial investment is a little steep, but once you start going, you'll be hooked. Pro-tip: there's lotion and hand sanitizer at the front desk! read more

Love to climb here. Nice friendly staff. It can get busy weekday evenings, but if you can get there earlier in the day, you've got the place to yourself! Routes are changed on a regular basis. Pretty good yoga classes in the annex across the street. read more

A good overall climbing gym, especially for newer climbers. The gym is new and large (clean bathroom and a thankfully separate party area) and the equipment is in great shape. Plenty of routes for beginners and intermediates. Fewer sport routes than other gyms I've seen. Would've liked the walls to have more faux natural holds. Great bouldering wall with plenty of routes/range of difficulty. Biggest issues are limited parking and limited cubby holes. Rates ($15 prime or $12 before 4pm) are good for Boston metro and the service is good. This has been my home gym and I've been very satisfied. read more

The belay class was beyond worth the money! Hank was a fantastic teacher!! I would've been too intimidated to give this a shot but Hank was real encouraging and reassuring!!! This was such a great time! Clean and fun gym! Highly recommend this! read more

We spent five great hours here on New Year's Day. Got here at 11 to take their belaying class, despite the fact that the older kids already had a bunch of rock climbing experience behind them. The 30-45 minute class was a worthy refresher. There was a good variety of routes, and the bouldering area was more challenging than another rock gym we've been to. My husband's karate instructor works out at this gym sometimes and was the one who recommended it. There were perhaps 20 people there tops that day, so we pretty much had our pick of the routes. What a great workout. read more

WARM, Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry , brought a bunch of volunteers and refugee youth here on a Friday night and it was absolutely great. The staff was soooo helpful and patient with us. One of the very best experiences I have had working with refugees in Worcester and Central Rock Gym really did everything to make sure it went well. You da BEST ! read more

Nick as head setter really made this place great! This facility is always clean (always someone there cleaning the floor haha), friendly and accessible. The parking during the winter can be a bit of a nightmare during the busy times (weekday evenings) but its manageable. Nancy now runs the yoga, and what a difference! I am so excited for the fall program and the newly renovated additions coming soon! The manager Joey is pretty great guy, he will handle any problem (like complaints ) with no questions asked and in a friendly, non-confrontational manner. He has pretty solid staff who are, for the most part, friendly and ready to help. If you are looking to meet people and wanting to work out with a challenge , this is the place! read more

Being in field service, I've been to a good number of rock gyms in this country. With this in mind, I gave this an above average rating for the height of the walls, quality of the construction, and because the building has an airy feel to it; which is unusual for a rock gym. The price of a climbing pass is cheaper than I've seen in other places in the area. The reasons I didn't give it five stars was because of the lack of parking, the lack of different types of rock holds. The people here (including the climbers) seem to be a little more social than other places I've climbed at. I think the staff could do a better job in safety, training and checking climbers abilities. We don't want to lose anyone. I think the owners have done a great job for their first year in business. read more

One of the best gyms in the northeast. The Central Rock family of gyms is by far one of the best places to train, learn, and have a good time with rock climbing. Staff is friendly and always willing to help. Since the gym is so popular, parking is a little tough, but there is parking on and across the street. Newly renovated with a new look to the walls and great route setting. Boulder problems are legit but i will say that I am more a route climber than boulderer. Price is comparable to others in the state and significantly cheaper than other gyms I have seen in different states.Overall, definitely recommend to all! 5/5 read more

For starters, I am newly back to rock climbing after a 4 year break (had a baby and he is just now old enough to start climbing in gyms), and I am a huge fan of climbing outside on rock and have never been a huge fan of climbing at gyms. That being said, this is a great gym. The routes are fun and challenging for every level. There is a great bouldering wall. There's a section set up on a mezzanine level with shorter runs for kids or people who are just learning. I like the typical gym equipment for cardio and weight training upstairs. It works well and I enjoy using it. I haven't made it in for any of their yoga or other classes yet, but I hope to soon. Three visits to climb so far, and I'll definitely be back for more. read more

I am continually impressed with my experiences at Central Rock. The staff is attentive, informative and friendly without being overbearing . Rentals are reasonably priced, and their are package offers to suit the needs of a variety of people. The environment is spacious and clean with plenty of equipment/stations. I plan on introducing novice as well as experienced climbers I know to this great indoor climbing location :) read more

This is a great place to have fun with family and friends! I had been here before but this time, I decided to have my daughter's birthday here. The children had a great time. I want to give a special thanks to the instructors Harriet and Karly, for taking such good care of the children while making it fun and enjoyable. Thank you so much! read more

My wife and I love this place. We drive from NH to climb here. The staff is very friendly, the change the routes often, so we don't get bored. The leading area is tall enough to get a good workout. Even if we don't have a membership, we end up going weekly. The customers (climbers) are very friendly and more than helpful when you have trouble with a problem or a climb. On busy nights, the bouldering cave can be a bit crowded though. read more

Great community of climbers! Routes are always changing and a new overhaul of the place is just finishing up this week! Anxious to go check out the new climbs! read more

Yoga class at Central Rock Gym was great, teacher was very positive and knowledgeable. I left feeling good, and the $10 drop in rate was the best in the city. Will be back! read more

I have been here several times; it is an amazing experience. The staff is very helpful in instructing and getting climbers properly outfitted. The courses do range in difficulty, with some legitimately difficult courses. This is a great place for any climber, whether its the serious climber doing indoor training or the beginner who hasn't climbed anything higher than a step ladder. Parking on site is at a premium, but there is ample street parking. The place is clean and well maintained, and the rental equipment is properly inspected regularly and in good condition. This is a great activity for all ages; there are frequently birthday parties and groups like the cub scouts, church youth groups, and college groups. If you don't want to be there with larger groups, avoid evening hours and weekends. read more

This has become one of my new favorite ways to work out! The people there are very friendly and helpful, and teach you all of the top climbing techniques before they let you climb on your own. The walls are challenging, with a variety of courses and levels. You are able to push and challenge yourself each time that you go. The courses are always being changed and updated so you do not get bored. This gym was recently renovated and has a very appealing look. For beginning climbers there are shorter and easier walls and I have even gone climbing with my 7th grade students. It is a fun day for the whole family! There are bouldering walls that can be climbed without a harness or training. These have varied levels and courses as well. Give it a try- you will love it! read more

My family been members of CRG for about a year now. One year ago, couldn't stand more than 4' off the ground for fear of heights but climbing had always been a major dream of mine. So, decided to take the first steps towards the wall by signing my family and I up at Central Rock Worcester. It was time to rectify the juxtaposition of my fears and desires. One year later? We live healthier, we eat healthier, we ARE healthier thanks in no small part to CRG and its owners and staff! At every turn, the staff at CRG has been nothing short of amazing.They're always friendly and helpful and always super psyched about climbing. Their enthusiasm is absolutely contagious! And this is the same at all the CRG locations although for my family, Worcester is home. We've met so many amazing and wonderful people and have made several close friends, all at your gyms! Our foundation in climbing was born and raised at Central Rock Worcester and thanks to the owners and staff, continues to grow! From my family to CRG, THANK YOU!! :) read more

Wow. Only these words could come out of my mouth when coming to this place. I have been rock climbing for years now, and the second I stepped into this gym, I was disgraced, insulted and was spoken to extremely rudely. First off, the employee didn't even want to give me my own equipment because they did not believe I had ever rock climbed before and made it obvious that they felt I was not physically able to. I am in better shape and more physically fit than 85% of the people there. I swear these employees were sexist. Not once, but 3 times was I asked if I knew how to belay and hold somebody, because I am a teenage girl. When I had asked somebody a question later on, I was insulted by the person telling me that they would not help me because it would be "illegal" to answer her question because what I was asking was supposed to be learned in the class, which I did take before. So I was supposed to pay an extra $15 to take a class I already took, just for a simple question that could be answered with a yes or no? Well do you know what should be illegal? Employees discriminating against the fact that I am a teenage girl, and all they did was insult me, and think that I was an incompetent fool. I was even approached by a worker while on the floor asking if I even knew what I was doing. It would be different if they politely asked if you needed help but instead I was talked to rudely and felt unwelcomed. Even the "regulars" who go there are rude. Do not go to the Worcester Gym. read more