The Testpiece Podcast
The Testpiece Podcast
Testpiece
#180 ‘Anti-Mega’ — GP81’s Julian Acevedo and Zoe Sayetta On Building Elite Training Facilities For All Ages
1 hour 33 minutes Posted Dec 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Intro
The Design and Philosophy of the New Youth Training Center
Support From Patreon
GP81's Youth Coaching Ethos
What Are the Reasons Kids Stop Climbing?
What Does the Future Look Like for Climbing Gyms
Mitigating Injury Risks for Young Climbers
How to Go From Good to Great
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1:33:51
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Show notes

Julian Acevedo was one of the founders of the original ‘Anti-Mega’ gym, GP81 in New York City. This gym is the definition of a “climber’s climbing gym” and is known for great walls, great setting, and an even better community.

GP81 has now blazed a trail again by opening a Youth Training Center which is headed up by the Creative Director Zoe Sayetta who has been coaching youth athletes for decades.

Patreon Bonus Content (join Patreon for extended cut):

  • Is there plans to continue to expand GP81? More gyms? More YTC’s? Can you do that while still being ‘anti-mega’?
  • How you deal with serious issues from kids, like eating disorders, or serious anxiety around competition or falling?


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