North Mass Boulder

My son was invited to a birthday party at North Mass Boulder. I knew it was a rock climbing place but definitely wasn't expecting what I found inside. When you enter, it feels like you've been transported to Colorado. I know nothing about rock climbing but it seemed to have a variety of difficulties. There was also a large workout area near the party room. For a 5 year old's bday, the set up was pretty cool. A room with a climbing wall on one side and a huge pirate ship on the other, a private bathroom and tables set up for food. I ventured up to the cafe on the second floor and was really impressed with the menu. I had already eaten but grabbed a coffee. My only complaint is that I didn't see an elevator up to the cafe (I had a stroller with me so that was less than convenient). I low key wish I lived closer so we could join the membership!

NMB is the premier bouldering gym in Indy. They have all types of routes which range from novice to advanced. Any age or ability can go here and have fun. It is super reasonably priced for a month - $75 for adults, $62 for students. On top of that, there is a cafe and free classes for yoga and workouts. Check it out!

I've been a member at NMB for over 2 years now, and it is my happy place. I love the climbing, the gym area, the yoga classes, and chilling/eating/working at Top Out Cafe. I love this place so much that a top priority when house hunting was that the house had to be close to NMB. My boyfriend and I met here, my dogs love it here...let's just say, if you're looking for a community and not just a gym, this is your place.

Love my gym! I've been a member since they first open and it is great. Climbing is so much fun and they change the walls frequently to keep things interesting. The work out equipment is solid as well and there is plenty of cardio equipment. Each locker room has a sauna as well which are maintained nicely. They host events several times a year and the community is great overall. Not to mention dog friendly!

This literally may be my favorite place in all of Indianapolis, and I cannot believe that I haven't reviewed it before- I am there 2-3 times per week and have been since they opened! Let's break it down into sections, shall we: Climbing: NMB has a continually rotating set of challenges on their several, huge walls of boulders. They rotate out a section twice a week, so each time you go there is new challenges to work on. If it is your first time climbing ever (like it was when I started going- never though I would be able to do it!) the staff is very nice and they give you an intro to climbing. Everything is color coordinated- red is the easiest, then yellow, etc. If it is your first time on the wall, I guarantee that you will be able to do even a few reds and you'll have a blast. If you do fall, there are several feet thick mats beneath you. Half the fun is watching those around you- there are some awesome climbers there that do incredible climbs. Maybe one day! You can rent shoes- or you can buy shoes there! They also have chalk, and anything else you would need to climb in their shop. Food, drink, and coworking at Top Out Cafe: One thing I love about TOC is that it is a coworking space. There are tables with outlets, chairs with pull up desks (near outlets), and comfy couches (near outlets) that face a large projector screen often showing a sporting match, animal planet, or an animated show. You do not have to buy food or drink to work here- but the options are so good why would you not! The smoothie bowls are my absolute favorite thing to get here- the pistachio bowl is my go-to, and I'll get protein powder in there if I have just worked out. They are huge, filling, and tasty. The taco bowl, quinoa salad, tacos, chicken wings, and chia parfait are also good- but really you can't go wrong. The drinks are also great, and they always have a rotating latte or drink that is seasonal and fun. Classes: I have taken yoga classes, hula-hoop dance classes, circuit classes, and lifting classes here. And they have all been great! All the instructors are very nice and know their stuff. And I am always sore after. I have never felt out of place showing up and doing something I've never done before (like hula-hoop dancing). The yoga classes are amazing, and in the summer their sunrise yoga class happens out in their "backyard" - it's amazing. They also bring in The Sound Gardner every month or so to do a sound bath, which I am obsessed with. The events: There is always something going on at North Mass- it kind of feels like college in that way! There are trivia nights, karaoke nights, Settlers of Catan nights, speed dating nights, queer nights, college nights, kids nights, etc. Anything and everything that you could want. When people in their 20s and 30s mention how hard it is to make friends in Indy I say- have you been to any of the NMB events? Parking: There are two huge, free parking lots right outside. I have always been able to find a spot (even though it is continually getting busier). The locker rooms: The locker rooms are split between male and female. They are clean, large, and safe. I put my stuff in a locker, choose a combination, and lock it. There is also a sauna! 15 minutes in there after a climbing session is the perfect way to end your workout. I'm sure I could go on and on about NMB, but truly it is a shining light in Indianapolis. It is what people mean when they talk about a "third place."