When it comes to fitness trends, climbing is, well, climbing (sorry—had to). From the bursting climbing-gym market (expected to grow by more than 40 percent in the next five years) to the outdoor bouldering clubs popping up from coast to coast, the full-body form of fitness is having a major moment—and Alexis Krauss is here for it.
Part musician—making up one half of American musical duo Sleigh Bells—and part entrepreneur, Krauss sees rock (as in the let-loose genre) and rock (as in boulders) as deeply connected. “I think both music and the outdoors provide people with escapes from the challenges of everyday life,” she says. “They help people create community and share and spread joy. They can also both be such visceral and deeply human experiences that move you in ways you've never been moved before. Both music and the outdoors are core to my identity and to the identities of so many others I share community with.”
The impact that the outdoors in general, and rock climbing in particular, has had on Krauss is too big to put into words. “Being outside is essential to my physical and mental well-being,” she says. “I don't do well when I'm not able to get out trail running, swimming, hiking, climbing, or just sitting outside listening to the birds and observing the natural world around me.”
She believes everyone can benefit from this kind of awe and exhilaration. That’s why she’s on a mission to make the outdoors feel more accessible and inclusive—and prove that spending time "in the wild" is simpler than it might seem.
How Krauss is making outdoor rock climbing more inclusive
When Krauss looks back at her childhood, she remembers lots of time in nature—cliff jumping, fishing, canoeing, and exploring the woods right outside her door. But it wasn’t until her 20s that she found rock climbing and experienced its empowering effects on her body and mind.
“I discovered there was a whole new world of outdoor recreation to explore,” Krauss says. “I fell madly in love with climbing and exploring the mountains. It was really important to me to share my love of climbing with youth, women, and other underrepresented groups in the outdoors.” This led her to cofound Rise Outside Collective, which offers professional instruction and guided experiences on rock, ice, trails, and more.
Spending time on the road with Sleigh Bells, Krauss knows that many people live in nature-deprived places where outdoor access is limited (and costly). "Participating in activities like rock climbing requires expensive gear and access to quality instruction, which is often not affordable or welcoming. Rise Outside seeks to create opportunities for underrepresented groups that reduce some of these barriers.” Plus, “we know how important it is for people to see themselves in their guides and outdoor leaders,” she says. “We've built a diverse guide team of individuals representing multiple identities within BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.”
How rock climbing empowers Krauss (and can empower you, too)
“Rock climbing has changed my life and I've seen it transform the lives of so many people,” Krauss says. Still, she recognizes that gearing up for a bouldering session can feel intimidating.
Her advice is to start small. “I don't want people to feel intimidated by spending time outside. Connecting with nature can be as simple as stopping to listen to birdsong or visiting a community garden. I want everyone to have the opportunity to connect with nature in ways that are accessible to them.”
And if you're curious about climbing, Krauss recommends doing some research on social media or stopping into a local gear shop for guidance. “When learned in environments that effectively mitigate risk and cultivate a sense of belonging, [rock climbing] can be incredibly empowering,” Krauss says. “It can build confidence and trust, bolster communication and leadership skills, reduce anxiety and stress, and so much more. It's a really joyful experience getting out in nature and climbing with people you love and trust.”
Krauss is inviting you—yes, you—to get in on the climbing trend, no matter where you live or what your daily routine looks like. So check out Rise Outside Collective for outdoor opportunities near you (psst: they’re probably closer than you realize) and join her for the most empowering high of your life.
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