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Comment by rikschennink | Hacker News Reader

Hi! What a fantastic post, a good day to you too.

I recently found out my bone density isn’t great. Never broke a bone in my life but the doctor advises to start an activity that impacts bones.

I’m not a sports person but last Thursday I went to a boulder gym. I was already coming up with excuses not to go, but decided to hop in the car and just do it, which felt like quite the power move.

I’ve never been “in shape” so it was though. But it was also challenging and it felt great to finish a route. It felt like something I could grow passionate about.

I’m telling as many people as possible in an effort to create some pressure to keep it up, do the work, exercise, and to get better at it.

Hoping in a few years my bone density has increased just a little bit.

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Bouldering is the right choice. Assuming you're an engineer (as this is HN...) the puzzle solving side of it will appeal. There's a minor social side available talking to people during rest phases which is totally optional. It's definitely also a path to being much stronger and has a satisfying progression curve.

I am :)

Indeed the aspect of looking at the route and pondering an approach was very enjoyable.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

I run into lots of climbers who took to climbing without ever being much interested in any other physical pursuit before hand.

The other thing is that there are certain adaptations one has to make as a beginner to progress that you don't really get anywhere else. It somewhat levels the playing field between athletes who are generally good at sports, and those who aren't super physical.

This is kinda what I was hoping for as well. It seems like technique is very important. But having additional strength/endurance is super helpful.

I’ve never been interested in training my muscles just to have good looking muscles. But I would definitely do the work if it means I can finally finish that route that has been just out of reach.

Congratulations! I can't speak to bone density, but if you stick with it, you'll see big improvements throughout your life: better mood, better sleep, more focus, meeting new people... Best of luck on your journey!

Thanks! Going to give it my all.

Glad you went, keep it up. Find a buddy to go with or pull yourselves along. All The best

Thank you! For sure easier to go with friends. The “share it with as many people as possible” approach has yielded some invites from other climbers so that’ll work out I think :)

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