Bouldering is a form of rock climbing whereby climbers, unencumbered by ropes or harnesses, climb or traverse from hold to hold just a few meters off the ground.
Becoming increasingly popular among urbanites; bouldering is a climbing activity which can be participated in indoors (at a climbing gym) or at a natural bouldering (rock) field. It essentially involves making a sequence of gymnastic moves up or across a near vertical (to overhanging) surface on holds that may be rock or artificial. This form of problem solving with movement is a recognized sport. Bouldering is considered good training for other forms of climbing and serves to tone the body in ways that may be desirable for anyone seeking overall body fitness and a change from a conventional exercise regime.
Bouldering is For Everyone
- Bouldering is a sport suited to anyone from beginner to extreme climber including families. Children are often naturally adept at bouldering using household furniture as their first bouldering apparatus. Contact the nearest indoor climbing gym to inquire about bouldering facilities or find out information about outdoor bouldering sites and guide books.
- Many indoor bouldering gyms grade climbs (with color coding on holds designated for hands and feet) according to difficulty. These range from very easy sequences that allow many choices of movement to very difficult boulder problems that may involve just a few moves (on tiny holds) but require years of training to complete.
- Established outdoor (natural) bouldering venues are often documented by a guide book to show various bouldering problems or routes.
How Safe is Bouldering?
- Bouldering can be as safe as the participant desires. The rule is to only climb as high as the boulderer is prepared to jump off.
- Portable bouldering crash-pads are typically carried by bouldering enthusiasts. These heavy duty foam mats are intended to cover uneven ground and cushion the fall of a climber at the base of boulders. Climbing gyms typically have floor padding beneath the bouldering walls.
- The role of a spotter (a climbing buddy) standing behind a climber is to direct the climber onto the crash pad in the event of a fall and protect the head from hazards.
Equipment for Rope-Free Climbing
- Comfortable, stretchy clothes. Baggy pants covering feet can be a hindrance.
- Portable bouldering crash pads are designed to be carried like a back pack and moved to the landing zones of boulder problems.
- Rock climbing shoes. These close fitting slipper-like shoes typically worn without socks, have specifically designed high friction sticky rubber soles that grips the rock more effectively than tennis shoes. They can be rented at most indoor climbing centers.
- Chalk bag worn around the waist containing magnesium chalk powder or liquid chalk is sprinkled on the finger tips to reduce sweat and help grip the rock.
- Water bottle for hydrating
- Sports tape for covering finger cuts and blisters and protecting weak or strained finger tendons / ligaments.
- Variable sized brushes (toothbrushes are often used) for cleaning holds of excess chalk.
A Bouldering Fitness Session
Bouldering can involve endurance sessions whereby the participant attempts to stay on the wall for as long as possible moving up or across easy holds. More often however, bouldering is focused on developing strength and power through short dynamic sequences.
A one hour session of bouldering including a warm up and warm down would be a typical workout that can help develop the following components of body fitness.
- flexibility
- core strength
- upper body strength
- agility
- muscle toning
Benefits of Bouldering for Fitness
- A fun, varied form of exercise that can be participated in indoors or outdoors.
- A fitness activity to break up the monotony of a conventional exercise regime.
- Boulder alone or with a group. Introduce friends to this trendy, social sport.
- Works mind and body and can be likened to a form of meditation.
Bouldering can be a great way to complement a standard fitness regime with fun, varied and contemporary exercise often in a beautiful natural setting. Its benefits are not limited to muscle toning. Bouldering can be used to increase concentration, relax the mind and provide an introduction to a dynamic social network.
All photographs used with permission.
