Pendulum Fitness

Rope climbs are one of those movements that challenge more than just your grip. They build upper body strength, coordination, and teach you how to stay calm when the work gets tough.

Whether you’re climbing for the first time or trying to string together faster reps, every attempt is progress. The technique gets smoother, the grip gets stronger, and the climb gets a little easier.

Pasadena has no shortage of great places to explore, and everyone has their own favorite.

From the architecture of City Hall and the Ambassador Auditorium to the Arroyo Seco Bridge and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, it’s fun seeing which spots stand out to different people.

Did your favorite make the list, or is there another Pasadena landmark you think deserves a shoutout?

Strict press or push press? They might look similar, but they’re built for different goals.

The strict press is all about upper body strength. By keeping your legs out of the movement, your shoulders, triceps, and core have to do all the work. It’s a great way to build strength and improve stability overhead.

The push press adds an explosive leg drive to help move the bar. Instead of isolating the upper body, you’re learning to transfer power from the ground through your entire body, making it a great choice for developing athleticism and moving heavier weight.

Neither is better. It just depends on what you’re training for.

Getting your first muscle up isn’t about waking up one day magically stronger.

Huge shoutout to Ray for earning his first muscle up. Moments like these are why we love coaching. The win lasts a few seconds, but the work behind it lasts weeks, months, and sometimes years.

What’s a goal you’ve been chasing that you’re not giving up on?

Date night in Pasadena are undefeated. ❤️

We asked some of our members where they’re taking someone for a great night out, and the answers did not disappoint. From pasta at Uovo, to dinner at Granville, a glass of wine at The Cellar, the Terrace at The Langham, Magnolia House, Bodegón No. 69, and yes… even Pendulum Fitness somehow made the list. 😂

Now we’re curious. What’s your go-to date night spot in Pasadena? Did we miss a hidden gem?

Pasadena has been the backdrop for way more movies and TV shows than most people realize.

We asked our community what they thought the most famous movie filmed in Pasadena was, and the answers were all over the place. From Halloween and Back to the Future to Step Brothers, Cheaper by the Dozen, Bird Box, and even Bee Movie getting a shout for the Rose Parade. Bonus points to The Big Bang Theory for being one of Pasadena’s most recognizable TV shows.

How many of these did you know about? And what movie or show would you add to the list?

The little things matter.

A small adjustment to your dumbbell devil’s press might not seem like much, but those details can make the movement feel smoother, more efficient, and more repeatable over time.

That’s what coaching is all about. We’re always looking for ways to help our athletes move better, build confidence, and enjoy the process instead of just getting through the workout.

Progress isn’t always about lifting more weight.