Anne-Worley Moelter Returns as CEO of Movement Climbing
Movement Climbing Yoga and Fitness—the nation’s largest community of indoor climbing and fitness facilities—has named co-founder Anne-Worley Moelter as Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment brings one of the company’s original builders back to the helm, a steady hand for a brand that continues to grow and iterate. It’s a leadership change aimed at continuity: keeping the spirit that started Movement alive while steering the next chapter of progress.
A Leader Shaped by the Sport
With nearly 25 years in the climbing world, Anne-Worley has earned a reputation for practical, forward-looking leadership. She co-founded Movement Gyms and served as its original CEO alongside her husband, Mike Moelter, so she knows the business from the ground up. She understands the opportunities and the friction points in climbing and fitness, and she’s long focused on two things that matter most to members: engaging experiences and operational excellence. That combination makes her a natural fit to lead the organization she helped start.
Building a Strong Community
Anne-Worley helped launch Movement’s presence with its first gym in Boulder in 2009, followed by facilities in Denver that broadened the brand’s footprint and influence. From day one, she emphasized collaboration and team engagement—an approach that shows up in the day-to-day feel of the gyms and in the way members connect with each other. Following the merger with various climbing gyms, she continued to serve on the board, underscoring her long-standing commitment to Movement’s vision and to the community that gathers around it.
Dedication to Empowering People Through Climbing
For Anne-Worley, climbing is more than a business; it’s a way to help people grow. She’s championed the sport on broader stages, serving as the first Executive Director for USA Climbing and holding board positions with the International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) and Access Fund. Her work reflects a consistent throughline: open more doors to climbing, support the community around it, and let the sport’s transformative power do the rest.
Personal Roots and Community Presence
Anne-Worley lives in Boulder, where she keeps her connection to the sport close—climbing in her local gym and exploring nearby climbing areas. Outside of climbing, she’s a regular in yoga classes and at community events. That balance of training, movement, and neighborhood ties shapes a grounded leadership style, one that keeps her close to the people and places Movement serves.
Aligned With Movement’s Mission
Topher Gaylord, a board member at Movement, highlighted how deeply Anne-Worley is woven into the climbing community and why that matters for members. Her commitment, he noted, directly supports better, more connected experiences in the gym. For her part, Anne-Worley has signaled clear enthusiasm for the role. She’s focused on partnering with the company’s dedicated team to nurture an environment that feels transformative—one where members can challenge themselves, find support, and leave with a sense of progress.
Looking Ahead With Clarity
Under Anne-Worley’s leadership, Movement plans to keep expanding its reach while deepening what members value most about the gyms. The goal is steady and specific: make every visit count, welcome every skill level, and keep the door open for the next climber—whether that’s a seasoned athlete refining a project or a family trying something new together. Personal transformation through climbing remains the north star.
About Movement Climbing Yoga and Fitness
Movement is the leading network of indoor climbing facilities in the United States, dedicated to empowering people through the practice of climbing. Each gym offers a range of climbing experiences, including bouldering and lead climbing. Complementing the walls are yoga studios, functional fitness areas, and curated climbing gear—spaces designed to support a wide community of adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. It’s a place to move, learn, and connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Anne-Worley Moelter’s appointment meaningful for Movement?
It brings an original co-founder—and former CEO—back into day-to-day leadership. That founder perspective supports continuity in culture and a clear focus on member experience and operational excellence while Movement continues to grow.
How has Movement Climbing grown its footprint?
Movement has expanded by opening multiple locations across the country, beginning with Movement Boulder in 2009 and adding additional gyms in Denver. Growth also included mergers with various climbing gyms, with Anne-Worley continuing to serve on the board.
What will Anne-Worley prioritize as CEO?
Her stated priorities center on elevating the member experience, strengthening community engagement, and supporting thoughtful innovation—always with an eye toward making climbing accessible and meaningful for more people.
How does Movement welcome climbers of all abilities?
Movement offers a range of climbing options—from bouldering to lead climbing—so beginners and experienced climbers alike can find the right challenge. Yoga and functional fitness spaces provide complementary training that supports progress at any level.
What kinds of community activities can members expect?
Members can take part in yoga classes and community events that bring people together beyond the wall. These offerings are designed to build connection, support personal growth, and make the gym feel like a true gathering place.
