Rotimi Odukoya has the kind of physique that millions of men strive to achieve in the gym – which is where he started his strength journey. But somewhere along the way the The North Face athlete started to look for more than just lifting weights. That was then he discovered the sport of indoor climbing.
Bouldering’s combination of a physical and mental challenge, a sociable scene and a shared experience that helps you face your fears, was such a draw that Odukoya’s friends were soon joining him to climb. It prompted him to set up his own climbing community, Climbxr, which has many black members and welcomes people from all backgrounds.
So what are the benefits of bouldering, how can anyone get involved, and what are Rotimi Odukoya’s tips for nailing the technique? Men’s Fitness writer Matt Ray went to train with him, at Yonder bouldering wall in North London, to find out…
Social setting “I used to go to a gym in West London, but I’m quite an extrovert and the gym just felt very standoffish – like headphones in, no one really wants to talk. I just found it boring,” says Odukoya. In contrast, within 15 minutes of starting to climb together, he and I are chatting to a complete stranger about the best way for Odukoya to tackle a bouldering problem that he’s been working on for a few sessions, but is near his max strength limit.
Climbing culture is just like that – it’s such an engaging sport that you can’t help but strike up conversations to offer (or ask for) ideas on how to unlock a tricky section – and it never feels awkward.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2022-Ausgabe von Men's Fitness UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2022-Ausgabe von Men's Fitness UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
DRESS TO IMPRESS
In the latest campaign from Charles Tyrwhitt, rugby player Marcus Smith and cricketer Joe Root are taking the lead and stepping up their offduty game with some sharp summer outfits. From tailored linen to comfy chinos and lightweight blazers, summer just got stylish
Sleep is crucial for both metabolic health and athletic performance
How well, and how long, did you sleep last night? It’s an important question, because in its Sleep Manifesto 2024, The Sleep Charity notes that a whopping 43% of adults sleep less than the NHS-recommended seven to nine hours.
CARDIO SWEAT
Elevate your aerobic fitness and fast-track fat loss with this cardio workout from the Movement Blueprint founder Harvey Lawton
THE LEARN ROPES
Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it offers a number of serious health benefits in Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it off ers a number of serious health benefi ts in a budget-friendly and convenient formula that can be done virtually anywhere
MOUNTAINEERING IS ABOUT THE TENSION BETWEEN HUMAN NATURE AND MOUNTAIN NATURE.IT'S ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DYING
MF meets mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner
BUDGET BEATS
Apple’s new low-price buds punch well above their price tag
FITNESS GOALS
Teddy Sheringham’s playbook for staying in shape in your fifties
Summer SIZZLERS
Fuel your summer with these fresh, high-protein recipes
THE MONT BLANC MONSTER
The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is among the most challenging and prestigious trail running events in the world. Typically held annually in the last week of August, it circumnavigates the iconic Mont Blanc massif. Covering approximately 106 miles, with a gruelling elevation gain of around 32,800 feet, the race demands exceptional endurance, technical skill, and mental fortitude – as Dominic Bliss witnessed for himself at last year’s event…
FEEL THE BURN
Training for HYROX? This lung-busting workout from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete Jake Dearden will get you race ready