Spot Fitness: Bouldering Essentials for Beginners

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(SPOT.ph) It's the year of side quests and if bouldering has been on your mind, we're not surprised. The once niche hobby has been a favorite as of late and it's easy to see why. Bouldering gyms don't just resemble fun playgrounds with padded floors and colorful holds—its patrons swing top to bottom and end to end with ease in a way that looks doable from the ground. It's not exactly a walk in the park, but our guide to bouldering will help you find your footing and better understand how it works.

Unlike other sports or activities that demand the purchase of equipment, tools, and gear, bouldering mostly utilizes strength (and quick thinking!) sans all the add-ons. No ropes and harnesses are used here, and most of the items you need can be rented from gyms or are already in your closet. But hey, if you really want to invest, we're not one to stop you. Listed below are bouldering essentials for beginners looking to incorporate the sport into their lives.

Also read:
Spot Fitness: A Beginner’s Guide to Bouldering
Spot Fitness: Climbing Gyms to Get You Started on Your Bouldering Journey

As always, everybody is different so what works for some might not necessarily work for you. While we have some recommendations, don't feel pressured to get everything on the list if you already have something similar or you want to get a different brand. And again, these are good to have, but not required at all.

Socks are required for rented shoes, so it’s best to have a pair or two in your bag. Any pair is as good as any when you’re starting out and getting the feel of things. Still, these Low Cut Socks at P200 a pair from Uniqlo are a solid choice. The lightweight fabric covers the heel, toes, and half the foot so you’re protected while staying nimble on your feet. There are anti-slip grips on the heel so you’re secure during the climb.

See list of Uniqlo branches. Also available on the Uniqlo app.

Chalk is available at bouldering gyms by default, but if you prefer having your own stock, you can purchase a pack for yourself. We saw this 135g bag of Tokyo Powder Industries chalk for P879 on Shopee. If you go through chalk more than the average person or you’re now obsessed with bouldering and need more, larger packs are available. You can also share it with friends and fellow bouldering enthusiasts!

Some don't even use chalk at all, so it's best to see how you move and send a problem before committing to a full bag.

Available on Shopee.

So you have your own supply of chalk. Now you need somewhere to store it and top up from. There are generic chalk bags in the market, but why settle for plain when you can get one that matches your vibe and showcases your interests? Local brand The Chalk Bag Project offers customizable chalk bags that take on the shape of popular characters and icons. There's a special place in our hearts for this Loopy one! Customization starts at P2,950.

The Chalk Bag Project is on Instagram.

Got sweaty hands? Plain dry chalk might not be enough. For friction that sticks, consider liquid chalk, which functions similarly to dry chalk, but instead takes on a watery form before drying down on your hands. This 60ml bottle of liquid chalk (P99) from Athlene is lightweight and portable thanks to the included carabiner, so you can hook it to your bag, belt loop, and more. The best part? No need to swat away powder in case it spills.

Available on Shopee.

Renting shoes for bouldering is always an option at climbing gyms, but if you’re keen on using your own pair, the Butora Komet Velcro at P6,500 is a good place to start. It’s a neutral-lasted shoe that features two Velcro straps so slipping in and out is a breeze. It also sports a breathable knit tongue and sticky Neo Rubber for grip on climbs. If you love a pop of color, this pair’s teal details will seal the deal. Climb studios and online retailers carry shoes from the brand, but we spotted this specific model from The Chalk Bag Project on Instagram.

Available via The Chalk Bag Project Instagram.

Regardless of what you choose to wear during a climb, support is one thing that can’t be sacrificed, especially for the girls. Get a sports bra that has your back (and front). This black one from adidas priced at P2,000 has a clean, minimalist design in front and criss-cross details at the back that allow for upper body movement, be it in the studio, outside, and even beyond bouldering. Wear it as is or under a comfy shirt of your choice.

Available on Shopee.

Hydration is of paramount importance no matter what workout or sport, so having water at all times is a must. The Klean Kanteen Rise in 16oz has a flip seal sport cap for easy sipping and a handle so you can drink whenever, wherever. Priced at P1,950, the bottle is four times more durable than previous Klean Kanteen coatings—ideal for weathering both indoor and outdoor climbs. Drinks are kept cool for up to 42 hours and the bottle comes in 12 different colorways!

Available on Shopee.

In a sport that demands a lot from fingers and hands, callouses are inevitable. Seasoned bouldering enthusiasts are no stranger to “flappers” or skin peeling off because of the friction. Kinesiology tape, or physio tape, is a good way to keep that skin intact or to prevent the peeling before it comes. The rolls from OREX come in different colors, so you can pick one based on your vibe, preference, and even outfit! Should you encounter body pain or need muscle relief and support, the tape will come in handy, too.

There are varying widths available, but if you’re using the tape for fingers, the one-inch width should be fine. The 1 inch x 5 yards size is P50 a roll.

Available on Shopee.

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