Exercising is all about engaging your muscles to perform and work, but sometimes the standard day-in and day-out gym routine gets boring. If you want to stay active, stay alert, and even do a little problem-solving while building those muscles, why not try indoor bouldering?
Why Try Indoor Bouldering?
Bouldering is a great workout and exercises not just your body, but your mind as well. You’re not just hanging on a wall getting from point A to point B, but you are also working your brain to figure out the best possible ways to get there. It’s puzzle-solving, mid-air.
Any experienced climber can tell you a number of reasons why they love bouldering—the thrill of solving a problem, perfecting a move, bat hangs—but you’ll definitely have to try it yourself to really get what they mean. It’s not just about strength. It’s about movement, momentum, control, and creativity. Bouldering gives you the freedom to experiment, to fall, to try again. It’s human problem-solving made physical.
If you’re looking to try something that’ll challenge you both physically and mentally, indoor bouldering might just be for you. Whether you’re more of an indoors person or a fitness fanatic, here’s what you can expect in your first year of bouldering.
Expect to Fall—A Lot
Let’s get this straight right away: You will fall. A LOT. Like, gravity is gonna become your new best frenemy. And that’s not a failure—it’s part of the process. Falling teaches you what not to do, and every time you get back up, your body learns something new. Don’t expect to perfect your technique on the first go… or the fifth.
When you slip and fall, don’t get frustrated or angry with yourself. Instead, take a step back to think and figure out where you’re going wrong. Maybe your hands aren’t chalked up enough, or your shoes are too tight or too loose. Perhaps your arms are too bent and close to your body, which restricts your reach.
If possible, have one of the more experienced climbers in your gym observe you climb and offer some advice (or beta, as climbers call it). Otherwise, you can also film yourself. Watching your own movement in slow-mo is eye-opening.
It’s Not All About Upper Body Strength
A lot of beginners think it’s all about pulling yourself up with brute arm strength. Spoiler alert: your legs are your secret weapons. The real magic is in pushing, not pulling. If you learn to use your legs properly, you’ll save energy and gain control.
That said, core strength, flexibility, and grip endurance also play huge roles. Bouldering is a full-body workout in disguise. On off days, work on your mobility and strengthen your weaknesses. If you find yourself cramping or unable to reach, build a stretching routine. Finger pain? Welcome to climber life. Stretch, warm up, and avoid overexertion.
Expect soreness in weird places. Fingers, toes, even your neck and forearms will ache in ways you never imagined. But weirdly, you’ll start loving the feeling. It’s a badge of effort.
Learn the Basics of Footwork
There’s one move that you’ll hear about again and again: the backstep. It’s a fundamental technique that offers the most stability, especially on beginner routes with plenty of footholds.
Footwork is crucial and often overlooked. Try climbing a wall using only your feet and not your hands—you’ll start to understand how much precision matters.
Discover Your Climbing Style
There are two main styles in bouldering: Dynamic and Static. Dynamic climbing is explosive, momentum-driven, and powerful. It looks cool, but it drains you fast. Static climbing is calm, calculated, and efficient. You hold onto each grip with intention and move only when you’re ready.
Most beginners start out dynamic because it feels more instinctual. You see the hold, you go for it. But with time, you’ll realize that slowing down can make you last longer on the wall.
Ideally, you’ll want to build a hybrid style that blends both approaches. Learn when to explode and when to hold back. Let your body find its rhythm.
Your Progress Will Be Slow, But Real
Climbing is not a sport that rewards ego. It rewards grit, humility, and consistency. You’ll hit plateaus. You’ll feel stuck. You’ll want to give up. And then, one day, you’ll flash a route you couldn’t touch last month.
Avoid the temptation to chase higher grades too fast. It’s better to master V0-V2 with solid technique than to flail your way up a V5. Focus on building your base.
The climbing community respects effort and growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, admit when you’re unsure, or celebrate small wins. That humility and curiosity will take you far.
Getting Stuck is Part of the Fun
Climbers call challenging routes “problems” for a reason. You’re not just following a path, you’re solving a puzzle.
You’ll find yourself drawn to specific problems you can’t quite finish. They’ll get under your skin. You’ll dream about that one move you just can’t stick. That’s the magic. That’s the obsession.
Route setters design boulders to challenge different skill sets—balance, strength, reach, and technique. If you get a chance, chat with them. They’ll often share insights into the routes they set and what they intended.
And remember, gym routes are subject to frequent changes. Problems you can’t climb today may be gone in a week. Get after it while it lasts.
Climbing Outside the Gym
Even if you mostly climb indoors, it helps to cross-train. Do yoga for flexibility and breathwork. Try hangboarding for finger strength. Go for a run to improve endurance.
If you ever get the chance to try outdoor bouldering, be prepared for a whole new challenge. No color-coded holds. Real rock texture. Nature. The entire vibe shifts. Just remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and always bring a crash pad.
Ready, Set, Climb!
Starting anything new—especially an athletic activity—can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. With bouldering, there’s often quite a sharp learning curve, and that can be intimidating. But believe us when we say that it’s one of the most fulfilling and gratifying sports there is.
In your first year of bouldering, expect a rollercoaster. But if you stick with it, you’ll find yourself stronger, more focused, more confident—and totally hooked.
Whether you’re here to get fit, find your tribe, or climb things for fun, indoor bouldering is worth the fall. Grab your chalk, lace up your shoes, and get on the wall. Let’s go.