In attempt to see what the earth looks like from above, industrious humans have tried fashioning wings from fallen feathers, paragliding from the backs of speedy dolphins, and searching through Zeus's trash in order to steal his identity. Find a better vantage point with today's Groupon: for $69, you get a rock climbing class and a day pass (up to a $150 value) at Chicago Athletic Clubs. Choose from the following locations: Lincoln Park Athletic Club, Lakeview Athletic Club, or Evanston Athletic Club.

Chicago Athletic Clubs engages thrill seekers with magnificent mock-rock climbing challenges at its collection of fitness factories. From the belly of each of its clubs, a towering man-made mountain wall stretches toward the sky, challenging rock-ringers to reach its summit with state-of-the-art surfaces, including tricky crack climbing, determined dihedrals, and stubborn endurance routes. Climbing classes ($100 for members, $125 for nonmembers) fortify avid advancers with lizard-like skills and superior surface-scaling instruction, with 90-minute weekly sessions for beginners. Aspiring ascenders can earn certifications and the respect of squirrels by spending four weeks bearing down on basics. For more advanced upward-crawling techniques, cliff conquerors can opt for intermediate classes.

Today's deal also grants nonmember gravity-scoffers an all-access day pass ($25), so they can practice their ascension techniques during free-climb times or make climbing muscles mightier using the club's workout equipment. The Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Evanston locations offer differing schedules for classes and climbing times, so check each club's website. Like a ride on a toe-nibbling camel, harnesses and shoe rentals are included with classes.