My arms are sore and my ankle is about to give way. Yet I can’t let go. Not unless I want to free fall three metres or so on to the, admittedly, cushy crash pad below – but I’m too much of a wimp to do that.
I’m halfway through a bouldering problem in Boulder Movement and despite the aches, I can already see the appeal of this sport. Bouldering is very much like rock climbing, except the former is stripped down to its bare essentials – no ropes and no harness to break your fall. All you need is a good pair of climbing shoes, a bag of chalk and a whole lot of guts to take on the bouldering problem.
For someone who is deathly afraid of heights, I thought, “this is not going to end well.”
Climb To A Better You
Climbing has hit new heights in Singapore as more people are getting into the physically challenging sport, thanks to a growing number of commercial climbing facilities sprouting up across the island.
Initially thought of as ‘dangerous’ and only for the adrenaline junkies, it’s quickly catching on as the activity of choice for the regular folk looking for an exciting alternative to getting that much sought after full body workout.
Conveniently located 5 minutes from Tanjong Pagar MRT, Boulder Movement is the one and only climbing gym that is located in the CBD. Founded by a group of friends who are climbing enthusiasts, the gym positions itself as a beginner-friendly (we tested it!) bouldering facility with over 30 metres of wall lengthwise with 100 square metres of climbing surface.
The walls are no higher than 4 metres which sounds short, but trust us, it’s certainly high enough to experience the thrill of climbing without any safety gears.
The bouldering problems are categorised by different climbing abilities: White tags 1-6 are for beginners, Blue tags 7-15 for intermediates and Pink tags 16-27+ are for the advanced. They refresh the climbs every week (at least 14 new problems) so you’ll always find new challenges waiting for you!
For first timers, you can sign up for the Basics of Bouldering class which is a 60 minute crash course to get you acquainted with the sport. There are also foundational classes for those with prior climbing experience looking to refine their upper and lower body techniques before moving on to the intermediate classes.
As the name suggests, Boulder Movement is about more than just bouldering; it’s about the lifestyle and the ‘movement’ that comes with it. The vibe and overall atmosphere of the gym embodies their spirit of being a fun and inclusive space. Not to mention, they have excellent shower facilities and changing rooms so you can wash up comfortably before heading back out in the CBD area.
Entry to the Boulder Movement starts from $30 and $250 for 10 entry passes. However if you’re new to the bouldering scene, sign up for the Class passes as the Boulder Movement instructors will guide you through the basics and fundamentals of bouldering. You can also check out their rates here.
For someone who has never done bouldering before due to preconceptions that it was too tough and scary, I was proven completely wrong. After guidance from the instructors, I was able to progress a few levels over the course of the evening. If you’re looking for a quick workout after work, Boulder Movement is a great place to start your bouldering journey and get your sweat on!
Boulder Movement
Address: 6A Shenton Way #B1-03, OUE Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: Mon: 5pm – 10pm | Tues – Fri: 11am – 10pm | Sat & Public Hols: 9am – 9pm | Sun: 9am – 5pm
Contact No.: 6817 8341
Website
Also Read Tiong Bahru Bakery Takes A Walk On The Wild Side With A Safari-Themed Cafe In Dempsey
(Header Image Source: Discover SG)
