Bouldering/Wall Climbing Gym

[AEdoesRnY 531]

Hi everyone!

There are several cool places to wall climb (I guess it’s called bouldering?!?!) and I’m trying to decide whether it’s something I’m physically ready for. I’m curious if it’s something anyone else on here tried and where you were weight/fitness-wise when you started. I’ve lost 80lbs but have been plateauing for a while, and trying to focus on doing interesting and new active things to both build good habits/fun active ways to spend my time AND maybe start toning up some things a bit. I’m just worried that at 200lbs maybe I’m not ready for the wall climbing type thing, and I don’t want to go try it and totally embarrass myself, you know?

Anyone have experiences they can share?

Thanks!!

[ms.sss 14,661]

I did this for the first time ever back in January (about 3 months ago) and it was great. I've been two more times since, and would like to go more often, but it's not easy to find a climbing partner...I don't think i'd enjoy it as much if I didn't have company; I may join a group or something in the summer...

So....the first time I went my fitness level was slim to none. I was only walking daily and just started going to the gym around that time. I think I was around 180 lbs at the time too (there is a weight max of 275 or 300 lbs i *think*), and I was able to climb just fine on the beginner walls, and with some effort, could reach most of the tops of the intermediate walls.

My one tip would be to take it slow and rest in between climbs. I was too excited about the newness of it all I may have went a little too fast, too much that first day because the next day I was SORE. Omg, like crazy full body sore. I didn't realize how many muscles (like all of them!) are used in climbing. Even my all around my neck was sore for f's sakes.

But it is a lot of fun and I'd say try it out and don't worry about being embarrassed, you'll be too focused on getting to the top (which is so satisfying and confidence-building to reach)

Oh, and the place I went to smelled like feet. Apparently that's normal. You get used to it. 😁

[Stella S 612]

Bouldering is on shorter walls with a less steep incline. Rock climbing or wall climbing involves a harness and rope. Having a partner to repel is generally necessary and less you self-belay. I took a five class series and it was totally fun It was a group class for those with no experience so they provided all equipment. I have been at goal for a bit but this is a sport where muscles actually get in the way if your tube bulky. There were many people in all different shapes and sizes that certainly were much better than me - annoyingly including small children. It is social and fun / give it a go!