Nothing satisfies like reaching your goals. And when you’re standing at the base of a 14 metre high vertical wall, you know the only way to get to the top is one foot and hand hold at a time.

Indoor rock climbing is a little like morphing in to Spiderman. It’s you versus the wall, and you need all your strength, flexibility and mental agility to defy gravity. The experts, of course, make it look like a stroll in the park, but beginners benefit from colour-coded routes, much like a ski-field’s graded slopes. Get your basic instructions and pay particular attention to belaying your partner (making sure the rope is tight so they don’t fall).

If you’re up for a humbling challenge, try bouldering, unroped climbing typically no higher than six metres. Great for building explosive power and finger strength, this is one of the ‘purest’ forms of rock climbing.

Push your limits; get the adrenalin pumping, regardless of the wet and cold outside.

Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym
Unit 4C, 1-7 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters 2044, (02) 9519 3325. Adult casual entry, with equipment hire $26.