What has changed in bouldering since coronavirus? Do bouldering fans still go bouldering despite the extensive rules? Outdoor outfitter Bergzeit conducted a bouldering study and summarizes the results here.
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our everyday lives. We are also experiencing restrictions on our leisure activities - such as bouldering - in order to slow down or prevent the spread of the virus. In order to ensure everyone's safety, bouldering halls have introduced certain safety rules since the major lockdown in March so as not to endanger the well-being of boulderers. The restrictions therefore bring a great advantage: even on cold days, enthusiastic boulderers can pursue their favorite sport without exposing themselves to danger. But do they still go bouldering? If so, what still drives them to the gym? What are the alternatives to bouldering? And which bouldering apps rank among the most popular? This article will give you a complete overview.
Climbing indoors or on the rock? That has changed!
After the major lockdown in March, many bouldering gyms have now reopened - so bouldering is possible again, subject to the safety rules.
But not everyone is drawn back to the gym. According to the bouldering survey by outdoor outfitter Bergzeit, a third of respondents have been going to the rock rather than the gym since corona. 60% say that the coronavirus-related regulations are keeping them away from the gym. This is also shown by the number of people who have been going to the hall less often since the coronavirus: Almost 50% of those surveyed have avoided going since then.
Other sports more popular as an alternative to climbing since coronavirus
If you don't go to the gym - which is the case for every second boulderer according to the study - and bouldering on rock is not an option, you have to fall back on alternatives. Many sports can also be practiced outside of halls, within your own four walls or even in your own neighbourhood.
The most popular sport that boulderers have switched to since coronavirus is cycling (47%). This is understandable, as cycling can be done almost anywhere. Whether in the city or in the countryside, the infrastructure for safe cycling is being expanded year on year, making it possible for almost anyone to go for a spin on their bike. Closely followed by cycling, respondents are increasingly choosing to get out into nature (hiking (45%) and running (44%)).
Bouldering hall visits in winter, what to expect, photo: Bergzeit
Indoor visits in winter - what can you expect?
However, one question remains for those who continue to go to the halls: Can you still boulder indoors in winter? After all, cold weather draws many outdoor athletes back into the halls. The question is therefore justified as to whether it is even possible to offer bouldering indoors under the current regulations and increasing visitor numbers. At the time of the survey (July 17 - August 13, 2020), the sporting spirit is unbroken: 79% are convinced that they will be able to boulder in winter just as before. In most halls, it is customary to announce visits in advance in order to keep the number of athletes inside the hall low.
Editor's note: At the time of publication of this text, it was not yet possible to foresee how the regulations for bouldering halls would change given the current number of cases.
The fitness aspect of bouldering
Bouldering is considered the trend sport of 2020 and not without reason. You don't need any previous experience to boulder, which is particularly appealing to beginners. But other advantages are also coming to the fore. The fitness aspect in particular motivates boulderers to go indoor or to the fals. According to the survey, more than 70% of respondents find the fitness aspect of bouldering important to very important - and not without reason. Because bouldering works the whole body and small successes are visible right from the start.
What are the health benefits of bouldering?
1. improved stamina due to stress on the cardiovascular system
When it comes to endurance, bouldering can push the body to the limit. The time spent solving a bouldering problem puts a lot of pressure on the muscles and the cardiovascular system. Depending on the level of difficulty, mastering an indoor boulder is very physically demanding, which means that the heart rate is increased from the moment you start until you reach the last hold. This can help to increase endurance, burn calories and strengthen the heart and lungs.
2. full body workout
Bouldering works virtually every major muscle group in the body, making it a great full-body alternative to working out at the gym. The large muscles in the arms and legs have the task of pulling the body up the wall, while the abdominal muscles, for example, ensure body tension and stability. As a result, 66% of respondents cite improved coordination as an important key stimulus of this sport. 89% cite the strength building of the overall body training during bouldering as an important aspect.
3. strategic thinking
One of the many benefits of bouldering is also the use of the brain. Tackling a boulder often involves complex problems that require technical know-how and problem-solving skills.
4. the social aspect
Bouldering is not necessarily a team sport, but it is the perfect sport to do together with friends or colleagues. The focus here is on mutual support. You can also choose more difficult routes with friends, where you can inspire each other with tricks and new techniques.
5. stress relief
Bouldering is also perfect for stress relief. The mental and physical training helps to get rid of any lingering work thoughts or worries. 42% of respondents therefore particularly appreciate the mental relaxation that bouldering brings.
Bouldering apps - how popular are they and which ones are available?
As digitalization progresses, more and more offers, such as special apps, are coming onto the market to make bouldering and climbing more efficient. According to the survey, the following bouldering apps are particularly popular:
The 5 most popular climbing apps among Germans, graphic: Bergzeit Boulder Study
However, many boulderers are still unimpressed by the trend towards apps. Only 32% of athletes currently use apps to accompany their bouldering. Whether this will change in the future remains uncertain. As long as the fun and the idea of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while bouldering are not lost, apps can be wonderful companions for bouldering and offer helpful additional information.
You can find more exciting facts about bouldering in the Bergzeit bouldering study.
