Thinking about taking up an adrenaline-pumping sport? Don’t want to go too far? in2it.sg has your solution right here.

Bouldering is a low-level variation of rock climbing, excluding harness, belaying rope and height. Instead, climbers move in a sideways direction rather than upwards. Because of the absence of a rope, climbers utilize their entire body’s core strength to stay on the wall, which strengthens over time.

Picture by Sarah Ko

There are several climbing gyms in Singapore, including SAFRA Yishun, Climb Asia at Tessensohn Road, and BorderX in Orchard Central. Every climbing gym is equipped with a crash pad- a large, thick foam pad that prevents fallen climbers from injury. That, some chalk to keep your hands from becoming slippery with sweat and a good pair of climbing shoes is pretty much all you need to start climbing! Is there a sport simpler than that?

 
Did you know that bouldering and rock climbing, in fact, trains four out of the five elements of complete physical fitness? It tackles muscular strength and endurance, body composition and flexibility! When you’re on the wall, you pretty much depend on these factors to get around. Bouldering involves complicated moves as well, but with a little practice, you’ll get stuck less often and enhance your problem solving skills as well. How, you ask?

Climbers often analyze walls and solve routes before attempting to climb. The difficulty of routes differs from 1 all the way up to 16! (Difficulty 1 referring to children’s routes.) The analysis helps to minimise the possibility of getting ‘stuck’ in a route, where manoeuvring to an easier vantage point is difficult. So not only do climbers train the body, they train the mind as well!

 
Always wanted to push your limits? Taking up bouldering empowers you to take that one step further. You just might be surprised by yourself, reaching heights and breaking boundaries which you never knew you could break. But above all, remember to cut your nails before attempting anything!

Want to see what the fuss is all about? Check out the SASC Climbnival coming up soon!

Article by Sarah Ko