Unusual Workouts: Boulders Climbing Gym
By Molly Rapozo, Lifestyle Staff Writer
Boulders Climbing Gym is Madison’s only climbing gym. Their website boasts 8000 feet of climbing space, both top rope climbing and bouldering, which both offer unique experiences and challenges.
The initial walk into the gym can be a little daunting. As you walk in, you will find many people suspended in the air, some even climbing the walls freely, and a whole lot of chalky dust. It is easy to get caught up and nervous, as you are surrounded by a lot of people who seem to know everything there ever was to know about rock climbing.
Luckily, you are instantly greeted by smiling employees that are willing and able to answer all of your questions. They generally set you up with a day pass and shoe and harness rentals as you walk in, then give a ten-minute detailed orientation on the ins and outs of Boulders.
The orientation covers the safety guidelines of the gym, as well as the general sport of rock climbing. After the orientation, you are set free to explore the gym and give it a try. Boulders is extremely welcoming to newcomers, as the staff is knowledgeable and helpful with every question they answer.
My first experience in the gym was nerve-wracking but extremely fun. If you are anything like me, you might be a little scared to climb your first wall. I ended up getting halfway up and decided that was enough for the day.
If that sounds like something you might do, have no fear. The routes on the walls are rated, with different colored holds on the wall signifying a route. The rates are taped to the beginning of each route that you can climb, so a simple glance at the rating card will inform you if the route you are about to climb is easy or hard. If you are more nervous and still trying to get the hang of it, sticking to walls with easier routes can make a huge difference in how confident you feel scaling up the wall.
I have fallen in love with the sport since arriving at Boulders. Rock climbing is a fantastic full body workout, engaging everything from your shoulders, back, biceps, forearms and — biggest surprise here — your legs.
The time you spend in the gym is sure to make you sore the next day and feeling accomplished from climbing such great heights.
The gym is smaller than other comparable climbing gyms in the Wisconsin area — namely, Adventure Rock in Milwaukee — but offers a less daunting first experience because of the size. The climbers are friendly, and even though the gym gets fairly busy every evening after work and schools get out, there is always room to climb.
For students, the hardest part of going to Boulders is getting there. Boulders is located on Madison’s east side, about an hour-long bus ride or fifteen minutes by car. If you can make the journey out there, your time will be used well and you can get a fantastic all-encompassing, full-body workout in. If the bus is your only option, bring along a book, homework or some music to get you pumped.
Day passes are priced at $15 for the pass and $6 for a shoe and harness rental. However, Boulders offers discounted days when you can get in for just $10 — rentals included. Their website lists all the rates, including day passes, classes for learning technical skills and memberships, if you are ready to take the plunge.
If you are looking to give yourself a change of pace from your normal workout routine and challenge yourself physically and mentally, give Boulders a go. Working your way up the wall will give your brain a workout as well as your whole body. Take a leap of faith — with a harness, of course — and head over to Boulders for a whole lot of fun.