The Cliffs Gowanus: Livin’ on the Edge
Rock Climbing Meets Whole Body Wellness
Brooklyn, NY
The Cliffs, a series of full-service climbing gyms, opened their first location in 2005 in a suburb of New York City called Valhalla.
At that point, rock-climbing gyms in an urban setting were a concept still new to the East Coast. The opening of a second location on Long Island, truly validated the popularity here in the Northeast and since then, it has grown much more.
Advantage’s Larry Zinger has been working closely with The Cliffs for years and has lent his expertise and design knowledge most recently to their newest project, The Cliffs Gowanus in the borough of Brooklyn. His focus was on helping them express their broad range of ideas in a space where the clientele has unique needs.

The Cliffs Gowanus: Livin’ on the Edge Showcase
Behind the The Cliffs Gowanus: Livin’ on the Edge project
Expansion

An inspiring experience
The facility designs also capture an understanding of their audience’s love of the outdoors, and they enjoy finding creative ways to bring that feeling indoors. Designs include utilizing as much natural light as possible to give the space on open and bright feel. In one of their NYC clubs, currently in the works, members will be able to soak in the Manhattan City skyline through floor to ceiling windows, once again integrating the contrast of nature against an urban setting. Advantage also worked with The Cliffs to help them provide a more stimulating and inspiring experience for gym goers on treadmills by having runners face the climbing walls, reminding them of the strength and endurance goals they are working towards as climbers.

Inclusive to all
Back in 2005, the company catered mainly to climbers. Since then, the clientele has expanded, and their needs have changed. The Cliffs has adjusted to fit those needs, recognizing that people are no longer committed to one type of fitness, but prefer variety, and in recent years have aimed to be more relevant and inclusive to all.

A combination of functional and cardio equipment
The Cliffs focuses on featuring functional equipment that takes everyone’s different goals into account. They have embraced the climber philosophy that being at your healthiest strength and weight can help improve your ability to climb, so they have combined functional and cardio equipment, including both self-powered and electric treadmills. Walking through the gym, you may catch a glimpse of someone prepping for a future climb with a fully loaded backpack on a cardio machine, or someone practicing mindfulness in the yoga area. It’s truly a multifaceted space with a focus on overall wellness.

The Cliffs Gowanus: Livin’ on the Edge Testimonial
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