What is bouldering?

So before we dive into anything, we have to talk about what bouldering actually is. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing performed indoors on walls ranging from 3-4 meters and done without a rope or harness. Some key aspects of this sport is that, yes don’t worry, you’re climbing above mats so if in any case you fall or plan to jump down, the mats got you covered. 

Another aspect is that bouldering is a sport primarily focused on strength and technique, heavy emphasis on technique. For all the buff ones out there, strength will only take you so far! Additionally, all boulder gyms have their own grading systems based on their difficulty so depending on where you are, you can determine what level you’re comfortable climbing based on the gym you’re visiting. 

Is it a hard sport for beginners?

Now, is it hard for beginners? No. This sport is beginner friendly, having a grading system allowing every climber to try out and adjust to a level they are comfortable trying. Indoor bouldering gyms have a wide variety of routes that cater to kids and first timers, to the ability of more advanced climbers. Bouldering is genuinely easy to get into and you don’t need any gear to get started indoors. There are difficulty levels available for everyone and the sport facilitates such a friendly community that after your climb you can have a seat in their cafe, drink a coffee, and enjoy some very obvious people watching 😉

What to wear?

As far as clothing goes, wear something light and stretchy. Any workout clothing will do as long as you can comfortably move around in them and are not restricted in any way. Some climbers prefer a longer fit with leggings and a t-shirt while others will opt for shorts or bicycle shorts with a tank top or sports bra, whatever’s comfortable! Important to remember that you are going to be moving your body and working up a sweat, so stay hydrated! 

In terms of climbing accessories, at every climbing gym you’re able to rent a pair of climbing shoes and a bag of chalk so no need to go and buy any of these beforehand. 

Beginner tips and tricks

Important things to remember:

• Mindset: When you’re bouldering, especially for the first time, you are challenging yourself. Whether it’s to try a more challenging route, to complete it, or for some the fear of how high it may be, your mindset matters. It’s important to go into it with an open mind and a readiness to try. 

• Boundaries: Also, keep in mind your limits and know when to stop! If during your climbing session you feel tired and are struggling to try or complete climbs, it’s better to end your session to avoid any potential injuries. 

• Universal rules (Etiquette) of indoor gyms: While other people are climbing, please stay off the mat. You save yourself and the climber on the wall any potential injury in doing so. That being said, walking on the mats if you’re not climbing is also a no no, so get that booty off the mat and onto the walking area.

  • Be aware of other climbers on the wall when you’re climbing. Is your route intersecting another route that someone is climbing? Then enjoy the show and wait until their route is clear to start yours.

  • Exiting a Route can be done by climbing down the same holds, using the helping holds scattered all over the walls or simply, jumping down. Now… WHEN you jump down it’s very important to land and roll back onto the mat, dispersing the force of the jump rather than having that force static and affecting your knees. 

Is it a good workout?

Yes! Bouldering is indeed a good workout and it’ll have you using muscles you didn’t even know you had. Each route requires different movements and strengths/technique forms, so you’ll definitely be tugging on some muscles that have been dormant. This sport also gives the opportunity to be mentally engaged, to challenge yourself, and to socialize with fellow climbers. Bouldering is a high intensity sport that will help strengthen some important muscle groups like your core, shoulders, back, and arms.