https://4xpedition.com/community/backcountry-safety/ Private forum for 4XPEDITION Team 4X Community Members en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:41:37 +0000 wpForo 60 https://4xpedition.com/community/backcountry-safety/staying-fit-in-the-off-season/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 01:37:21 +0000 Some places actually have an off season 🤣  - right now it's about 11F where I am which means bicycling is kind of miserable,  hiking is slippery and very cold - we walk around the neighborhood but a walk doesn't engage very many muscles.

Just recently we decided to start visiting a bouldering gym,  as far as I can tell the difference between a bouldering gym and a climbing gym is the height of the walls & the presence or absence of belaying winches.   Correct me if I'm wrong there!   The bouldering gym feels like it's going to be a good way for us to stay fit,  they allow us to do day passes and punch cards (prepay for visits, use whenever) which is a lot easier than committing to an annual pass.   

Wearing climbing shoes is pretty unpleasant but hopefully they'll wear in and get comfortable - the most important thing for me is building my strength back up because it not only feels good it also unlocks more opportunities when we're out and about if we're in shape to pursue them,  and I believe it's a lot safer to be fit when you're away from civilization because strength and climbing confidence increases a person's self-recovery options if they find themselves above or below where they should be. 

Anyone else go bouldering or climbing at a gym?   Got advice?   Got questions? 

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