Even before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, bouldering gyms had been popping up in cities across North America. People are flocking to the sport for the physical and mental challenge that it provides. Bouldering is an excellent, full-body workout that feels like play, and it is a fantastic activity to do with friends. Here is a quick intro to what might become your new favourite hobby.

What Exactly is Bouldering?

Like other types of sport climbing, bouldering first began outdoors. It is a type of free-climbing (climbing without the use of ropes) performed on boulders or small rock formations. The goal is for climbers to tackle different “boulder problems,” which refers to the sequence of moves that make up any specific climb.

Over time, bouldering was brought indoors using artificial climbing walls and manmade features and holds. Routesetters use different features and holds to create many different types of problems for climbers to solve. Bouldering walls are around eight to 15 feet in height, and the floor underneath the walls is heavily padded to provide substantial cushioning for falls.

Routes are identified by the colour of the holds or by using coloured tape, and they are assigned a rating based on difficulty. All gyms have bouldering routes that even complete beginners can try. The difficulty also increases gradually, so that you can try more difficult problems as your skill and strength increase.

As an exercise, bouldering uses muscles throughout the whole body. Climbing a route engages the arms, legs, feet, hands, core muscles, and back. It is also a unique mental challenge that provides a sense of satisfaction when you solve a problem.

Indoor Bouldering Equipment

One of the main draws of indoor bouldering is that it requires limited equipment. Climbing shoes are the only must-have, and you can easily rent a pair at the climbing gym until you feel it is time to get your own. Regular shoes are not allowed on walls, and they do not provide the necessary fit and grip for successful climbing.

While not absolutely necessary for beginners, a chalk bag and chalk are also great to have by your side. Chalk keeps your palms and fingers dry, which allows for a better grip on the holds.

As for clothing, the best attire for bouldering is comfortable and flexible, allowing you a full range of motion. Tank tops, leggings, and hiking pants or gym shorts are all excellent options.

Indoor Bouldering Tips

Before you hop on your first boulder, here are some tips to get you off to a good start:
• Study the route before you climb and think about where your hands and feet should go.
• Keep your arms straight as you climb to reduce the strain on your shoulders, triceps, and biceps.
• Don’t forget to move your legs higher as you go, rather than always reaching as far as you can with your hands.
• Fall with bent knees and let the momentum pull you backwards onto the mat.
• Take plenty of rests between climbing attempts to prevent overexertion and injury.

If you’re looking for a new hobby, a fun way to exercise, or both, then it’s time to give indoor bouldering a try. Before you know it, you’ll be ascending routes and setting your sights on new and harder problems.