Beginning in elementary school gym class, the importance of regular exercise is heavily stressed in American society. People are encouraged to be physically active every day to live a prosperous and develop a healthy lifestyle, but the idea of exercising for pleasure is much less emphasized. According to Statista, only 19% of Americans in the first quarter of 2024 participated in sports or fitness as a hobby rather than as mere exercise. By challenging people physically and mentally while also being enjoyable and easy to get started in, bouldering asserts itself as the ideal hobby centered around physical activity.
Bouldering is defined by the Durham Climbing Centre as “a style of climbing done close to the ground without the use of ropes and harnesses.” Bouldering can take place outdoors on rock formations or at indoor climbing facilities, making it an extremely versatile and accessible form of exercise.
Bouldering is considered a form of “free climbing” due to the lack of ropes and harnesses, but it is also a fitting term considering the amount of agency it grants the climber; climbers are able to move around the wall at whatever pace or difficulty level they choose. Gyms vary in their levels of difficulty, but most facilities will have routes for true beginners as well as expert climbers, giving people of all skill levels and body types the chance to get into the activity.
Climbers are also given maximal control in what they get out of the experience. Some climbers become instantly addicted to the sport and dedicate the majority of their time to improving their skills, while others will only climb occasionally purely for enjoyment. Although some choose to climb competitively, there is no pressure to perform at a certain level unless the climber chooses that path. Climbers can also decide if they would rather climb on their own or in a group. Both versions offer their own benefits and downsides, but both are fun and challenging ways to engage in the sport.
Bouldering is a full-body workout, as well as a mental exercise. Climbing mostly works out muscle groups in the arms, legs and core, but it is also an excellent test of cardio. Climbing offers cardiovascular exercise similar to sprinting, which is certainly challenging, but much easier to adapt to than a nonstop cardio workout like a run or bike ride. Climbers also are tasked with figuring out how to best approach a climb, or “problem,” which requires skills of critical observation and on-the-spot thinking.
Although some forms of climbing are hard on the bank account, bouldering is relatively inexpensive for beginners. Indoor climbers can often rent shoes and purchase cheap chalk at climbing gyms, and although Climbing Shoe Review asserts those climbing shoes are perfectly functional for beginners, people who are interested in improving their climbing game will benefit tremendously from investing in personal shoes that will pay for themselves in the climbers’ noticeable improvement.
Most sports will teach skills that can be useful in daily life. In the same way being able to run a mile will make it easier to climb a flight of stairs on the way to class, bouldering offers a multitude of similar skills. From creative problem solving to balance to finger strength, the tool belt of a climber is doubtlessly applicable to daily life.
Bouldering is one of the easiest sports to begin and become addicted to. Whether a beginner climber ends up dedicating their life to it or just considers it a casual hobby, bouldering is versatile, stimulating both physically and mentally and an enjoyable way to spend a day at the gym.
Sophia Rooksberry is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Sophia know by tweeting her @sophiarooks_.
