Bouldering is one of the most effective way to improve both power and technique. The style of Bouldering unique to the sport. The routes are typically short and require high strength, vs endurance as in lead or top roping. The routes are interesting, dynamic and powerful, and do not require ropes or a harness or belay partner. Due to the lack of traditional protection, the height of routes is in the range of 12' or 4m. Many Climbers prefer this to any other form of the sport. Now, almost all indoor walls and gyms offer a Bouldering cave or dedicated area within the gym. Bouldering has evolved and matured into its own style and category of the sport.
Bouldering requires the least amount of Climbing gear. All you need for Bouldering is:
- Rock climbing shoes
- Chalk bags
- and a padded place to land or crash pads
Featuring Juliane Wurm bouldering in Fontainebleau, France. Shot with a Lumix GH2 and the Wanderlust "PinWide" pinhole "lens" as well as a 26mm toy lens and the Panasonic 7-14mm lens.
Bouldering is both for men and women and is also a great way to get into shape. One of the reasons why people who try to lose weight quit before achieving their fitness goal is because they get bored and discouraged. If you workout by doing something that is fun and challenging, something that you can improve upon each week, you will have a much higher chance of sticking to your workout. If you look at long time climbers, you will see that they are in fantastic shape. Many of them don't even go to the regular gym. Their only workout is climbing, which for them is all play
The benefits of bouldering are many. This activity is still relatively new since there isn't much media exposure for climbing in general. At the same time, it's one of the most addictive activities available. Once you try it out, you may be hooked for life. So visit your nearest rock climbing gym today and give bouldering a try.
