Peer pressure and a GP’s push led a novice to bouldering at a Sydney gym

After repeated requests from a GP and pressure from friends, the writer began bouldering at the Blochaus climbing gym in Sydney. The piece describes bouldering as the art of ascending short “climbs” using time‑tested techniques, part physical exercise and part problem‑solving, and says the activity has grown into its own culture with specialised gear, terminology and community.

It also notes that many climbing gyms have become true third places, offering coffee, snacks, free wifi, lounge areas and weekly events. The author went with a partner and found a hectic maze of sloped walls and very small holds, starting on the easiest level, blue. Despite watching tutorials beforehand the nerves kicked in, the rental shoes felt too big and they used too much chalk, yet they completed their first climb and felt a rush.

The article quotes the line, "Climbing in your 30s without stretching first teaches something that can be learned no other way," and records the lesson that climbers should move slow. Committing to two sessions a week and buying a membership brought rapid benefits: within two weeks the writer noticed improved upper‑body and core strength, and by week three better posture and sleep.

Key Topics

Sports, Bouldering, Blochaus Gym, Sydney, General Practitioner, Climbing Shoes