Bouldering is a sport that is just beginning to come into its own and is growing in popularity ever year. Where rock climbing can be dated back to the 1800’s, bouldering was never referred to as a separate sport until much later. When bouldering mats and artificial climbing walls emerged in the 1980’s it really began to take off.
We know from experience when novices phone our office wanting to come and use our facilities, many are either unaware of what bouldering is or they don’t see it as something we would run in its own entirety.
It has now been proven that bouldering can do more for you than provide exercise, be a social activity and a competitive sport.
The University Hospital in Erlangen, Germany, conducted some research to find out whether bouldering can help you deal with issues such as depression and it turns out there is a definite correlation between the two.
It turns out bouldering has a therapeutic effect on people, especially when solving problems, which in turn can help people who suffer from depression.
The research lasted for 8 weeks and consisted of 3 hour, weekly bouldering sessions for a group of 12 patients suffering from depression. They were monitored by mental health therapists who also had climbing experience. The results were devised from a specific questionnaire designed to measure the intensity of someone’s depression. After each session, their results dramatically improved.
As to why this is the case, authors of the research have described bouldering as being ‘’especially interesting as a therapeutic tool since many people with depression have poor physical health, low levels of fitness and physical self-worth, and less motivation for heavy physical effort.” This is combined with the problem solving aspects of bouldering which targets mental and emotional aspects of the body as well as physical.
The social side of bouldering, the encouragement and support from helping others solve and overcome the problems, as well as individuals, is one of the reasons it is not only growing in popularity but now being used to help people with mental health issues.
What’s happening at Rock and Rapid…
We are currently running a winter bouldering series – 30 problems a month – why not come down and see what it’s all about with a group of your friends! Score cards are only £3!
For more information on this or to see dates, visit our facebook page by clicking here or get in contact with the team on 01769 573380 and we will talk you through it!
