They say being in your 20s is a time for new experiences, for creating our future, and for living life to the fullest. It’s a time for figuring out our passions and what hobbies we want to pursue. For finding the group of friends who will be our ride or die and having a third place – a community we can recharge, reconnect, and feel a sense of belonging.

There are many activities we can involve ourselves in. However, there seems to be a growing interest in two main activities in Singapore - bouldering and marathons. If you’re in your 20s and wish to try these activities, this article serves as an introductory guide for beginners on how to get involved in these pursuits.

Bouldering

To understand bouldering a little bit more, let’s break down this sport into 3 sections.

Difference Between Bouldering & Rock Climbing

Aside from the difference in height, the stark difference between these two sports lies in the skills involved; though both require a significant knowledge of climbing techniques, bouldering focuses more on problem-solving and balance, whereas climbing a high wall focuses more on strength and endurance. 

A good start to your rock-climbing journey can begin with bouldering as the barrier of entry is lower, with the rental of equipment being only climbing shoes!

Starter Gyms 

We understand that gyms can be intimidating in the beginning, but there are beginner-friendly gyms that could make your experience more enjoyable! Here are some beginner-friendly bouldering gyms we recommend: 

1. Climba Gym (Telok Ayer)
2. BFF Climb (Tampines, Bendemeer, Tampines YOHA) 
3. Boulder Movement (Taiseng, Bugis+, Rocher, Downtown)

The Climbing Lingo 

There are many terms used in climbing, and it is important to know them as they can prove helpful during your climbs, especially when your friends encourage you from the mat. Here are a few common ones that you’ll keep hearing in the gym:

1. Allez – Keep going, similar saying as 'jia you” in mandarin.
2. Match – Putting both hands or feet together on the same climbing hold.
3. Dyno - A momentous jump to the next hold.
4. Send – Successfully reaching the top.
5. Flash – Successfully reaching the top on the first try.

So, there you have it - the very basics of bouldering. Before you head for your first trial, always remember to prioritize safety. Learn how to fall safely and have experienced friends or instructors with you to ensure you get the fundamentals of climbing right! Most importantly, enjoy and embrace this new skill!

You can shop climbing gears from Decathlon

Marathon

The next activity that has gained popularity once you hit your mid-20s is running marathons! It seems that even those who once hated PE lessons have decided to challenge themselves to run! It’s amazing to see the running community grow in Singapore, and you can be a part of it!

Popular Marathons in Singapore

There are 2 popular marathons in Singapore that even non-runners will surely recognise them. They are the famous OSIM Sundown Marathon and Standard Chartered Marathon that has been around for years. Both runs allow you to choose the distance you are comfortable with – 5km, 10km, half marathon (21.1km) and full marathon (42.195km). Another rising marathon in Singapore is the 2XU Compression Run which has gained popularity these couple of years.

How To Train for a Marathon

When you're in your 20s, you're generally healthy and strong, making it a good season to challenge yourself if you put your mind to it. There are a couple of ways to prepare for a run!

1. Join a run club!

This is the best way to train with like-minded people and be part of a motivating community! There are many run clubs around different neighbourhoods or gyms that are free to join! 

2. Start your trainings early & keep it going!

This is important if you are a beginner! Start months in advance, clock shorter distances, and slowly increase the distance as the weeks progress! Keep a tracker app such as Nike Run App to ensure that you are progressing!

3. Physical preparation

Running often can cause a certain amount of discomfort. Alongside a good pair of running shoes, it's good to have running tape with you to help reduce swelling and alleviate any pain during your run. Next, apply Vaseline or Bio-oil to areas where your skin will rub together to prevent skin abrasion. These little things will help make your run more comfortable.

Conclusion

To conclude, bouldering and marathons are just a few activities you can explore and be a part of! Hopefully, this article encourages you to try something new in the second half of 2024! Have fun!