Looking for a new form of exercise Bouldering vs Calisthenics, discover the health benefits and how they complement each other.
Not sure where to start? Bouldering and calisthenics are two popular options that can offer a range of health benefits. Let's take a closer look at each and compare them to help you decide which one is right for you.
Bouldering involves climbing relatively short routes on artificial or natural rock walls without the use of ropes or other safety equipment. It requires a lot of upper body strength, core stability, and lower body strength, and can improve cardiovascular endurance. Bouldering also requires focus and concentration, making it a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Plus, spending time in nature while bouldering can help reduce stress levels. Some additional benefits of bouldering include:
- Improved grip strength and hand-eye coordination
- Increased bone density and joint stability
- Boosted self-confidence and self-esteem
- Increased social connections through the bouldering community
If you're looking for a place to start your bouldering journey, a local gym can be a great option. For example, Wall Walkers Bouldering in Capalaba, Brisbane is a popular climbing gym that – due to its smaller size - allows for a greater sense of community and connection between climbers. The gym has a range of routes and difficulties, with around 10 – 12 new routes set every 2 weeks, so there's always a new challenge to tackle. In addition, Wall Walkers has a 25 degree (2019 hold set) MoonBoard, a training tool that is used by climbers around the world to improve finger strength and power.
One of the benefits of Wall Walkers is the wall is densely packed, which allows for more opportunities to create individualized routes. This means you can tailor your workout to your specific needs and abilities, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Calisthenics, on the other hand, is a form of bodyweight exercise that involves using one's own bodyweight to perform a range of exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. Like bouldering, it is a full-body workout that engages all major muscle groups and can improve cardiovascular endurance. But unlike bouldering, calisthenics can be done anywhere without the need for any equipment. This makes it a convenient form of exercise for those who don't have access to a gym or other exercise equipment. Additionally, calisthenics promotes functional movement, which can be especially beneficial for older adults who want to maintain their independence. Some additional benefits of calisthenics include:
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Increased muscle endurance and strength
- Improved posture and balance
- Reduced risk of injury compared to weightlifting exercises
While bouldering and calisthenics may seem like two completely different forms of exercise, there is some crossover between the two. Both require upper body strength, core stability, and lower body strength. For example, bouldering requires a lot of upper body strength to grip onto rocks and pull yourself up, which is like the pull-up exercise in calisthenics. Similarly, bouldering requires a lot of core strength and stability to maintain balance and control, which is like the plank exercise in calisthenics.
In fact, some climbers incorporate calisthenics into their training regimen to improve their climbing performance. For example, pull-ups, push-ups, and dips can all help build upper body strength that is essential for bouldering. And since calisthenics exercises can be done anywhere without equipment, they are a convenient way to supplement bouldering workouts.
On the other hand, bouldering can also be a great way to supplement a calisthenics workout. Bouldering can help improve grip strength, which can be beneficial for exercises like pull-ups and other bodyweight exercises that require holding onto a bar or another object. Additionally, bouldering can help improve overall body awareness and coordination, which can translate to improved performance in calisthenics exercises that require balance and control.
So, which one is right for you? The answer depends on your individual goals and preferences. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and are looking for a form of exercise that can improve your mental focus and concentration, bouldering may be the right choice for you. If you prefer a more flexible form of exercise that can be done anywhere without equipment, calisthenics may be the way to go. Ultimately, both forms of exercise offer a range of health benefits, so why not give both a try and see which one you enjoy more?
In conclusion, bouldering and calisthenics are two great forms of exercise that can offer a range of health benefits. While there are some differences between the two, there is also some crossover. Both require upper body strength, core stability, and lower body strength, and both can be used to supplement each other's workouts. If you're interested in starting bouldering, Wall Walkers Bouldering is a great place to start. With its range of routes, MoonBoard, and community-focused atmosphere, you're sure to find a workout that suits your needs and abilities.
