So you are planning upon practicing bouldering - a good choice! But there is a ton of ground work that has to be done as bouldering is not just about climbing and descending, it is a much more complicated part of rock climbing. The first part of the ground work is toning your your body and muscles. Chief requirements of bouldering are a toned body, flexibility, great muscle power, light weight and a good respiration. All these factors contribute to effective and safe climbing. In order to achieve such a level of physical fitness, you will need to do lots of exercise, such as frequent swimming, running, swift walking and push us and pull ups. In addition, gym work outs and Yoga will add to the benefit, as they will enhance respiration, flexibility and muscle toning. Once you have completed this ground work, to your satisfaction you may proceed to the actual climbing. Read on extreme sports

Bouldering Techniques #1: Warm Up and Get Ready
The first bouldering technique says, don't touch the rock at all! Ok, just kidding. The first step before you undertake any bouldering activity is to warm up your body and have an equipment check. Warming up your body and working up a mild sweat is absolutely essential due to the fact that a warmed up body has a better response and reflex, not to mention a greater ability to exert power and strength. It would also prevent your muscles from cramping up and in addition to that oxygen and blood will reach to every possible corner of your body. Once you are done proceed to the rock face and make some basic holds, with both your hands and feet. Once you feel that you are ready, have a look at the rope, waist harness, carabiner and descender. Now you are ready to surmount the rock.

Bouldering Techniques #2: Read the Route and Feel the Rock
The next important technique is to read the route or rather plan the route on the rock face that you wish to take. You will need to visualize and analyze the route that you want to take up. Hence, just plan out your foot holds and hand holds, if possible along fissure or cracks in the rock face. It is also advisable to visualize each hold and the route. It must be taken into consideration that you might need to alter the plan, during the actual climb. Hence, it is wise to spot and memorize alternative holds. A common mistake that many people make is to ignore the descend. It is also important that you visualize the descend, since not all ascend holds can be used for a safe descend.

Bouldering Techniques #3: Holds and Grip
Many of us enthusiastically take a tight grip over the hold that we have found. However, it is better to have a relaxed and firm grip. A relaxed and firm grip is especially essential for foot holds. You may achieve such a grip by equally distributing your weigh and leaning towards the rock face but resist the urge of hugging it. Many amateurs often wonder that how can this possibly be advantageous. Well, when you lean in towards the rock, the action of gravity that acts on your body, decreases and believe it or not, it decreases our weight and enhances your balance. Another tip that is often offered, is that leaning too much is not very healthy but leaning in a parallel manner, further betters the balance. Thus, making a relaxed and firm grip is better than making a tight grip.

Bouldering Techniques #4: Static Climbing
Among the many bouldering tips the one that is very much ignored is static climbing. It basically means that bouldering is a method of climbing where shifting of weight eventually and evenly is necessary. Practically speaking, all you need to do is make two holds with a similar axis on the rock such as left hand hold and right leg hold or vice versa. You may also balance out only on your two feet, but I would advise you against balancing on only one hand or foot or only on two hands.

True lovers of the nature always find ways to spend time amidst the greens. Hiking is one of the most loved activities for the outdoorsy person! Nothing can compare to the thrill of the adventure topped with the fresh air and the beautiful shade of green all around. Hiking and camping are thus the ideal way to refresh one’s mood to give a break from the mundane routine of office affairs! However, whilst you are out hiking, you must be well equipped to handle various situations that may arise. Apart from the cookware and other essentials, the clothing you opt for hiking are equally important to make your trip really enjoyable. If you have often wondered what to wear while hiking then you can take a peek at some of these useful tips and ideas for clothing suited for this activity.

What to wear while hiking:
The weather would largely dictate the kind of clothing you pack. If the weather turns out to be unpredictable, such as sunny mornings and rain for the evenings, then you would need to opt for layered clothing. Layered clothing would help you to adapt to the changes in the varying moods of Mother Nature! Always ensure you wear a base layer of clothing made of fabrics that absorb sweat. This layer is closest to your skin therefore; fabrics that do not absorb sweat and don’t let it evaporate would make you feel clammy throughout the day. Polyester micro fiber is suited for the warm summer where as polypropylene is preferable for the cool winters.

If the weather turns slightly cooler, ensure you have shirts and pants made of wool or fleece material. You can opt for full-length pants that can double up as a capri when required. The long length is useful to avoid scratches caused by prickly bushes or annoying mosquito bites. If it can be turned into a capri, it would be useful when the weather turns warm or when you need to wade across a stream.

The outer most layers should be wind proof and water resistant if you are hiking during the rains. Look for a loose jacket with loads of pockets that can let you store all the knickknacks needed whilst hiking.

Avoid denim pants on your hiking trip. Instead opt for special hiking pants that are easily available in many stores. These pants are made up of breathable fabrics. For the monsoon season, you can even find pants that are made up of water resistant fabric! Short pants are fine if you know the terrain of the area well. Shorts can come in handy so always keep an extra pair in your bag.

A hiking vest is also an important part of such sporty gear. These are fitted and sleeveless and come in riot of colors! Opt for lightweight fabrics specially designed to be wind proof as well as resistant to water.

The kind of footwear you opt for is extremely important while hiking. This would also depend largely upon the climate and the kind of terrain you are about to explore. If you are planning to walk along some natural trails, you can opt for shoes of the lighter varieties. These should be comfortable so that you can truly enjoy the beauty of nature without having uncomfortable feet. For the monsoon season, choose waterproof shoes with a sturdy sole that can enable you to get a better grip whilst you walk.

Always look for the cushioning in the footwear. Stiff shoes are bound to make your feet hurt. Ankle high boots are often preferred. Do not compromise on the comfort for your feet. After all, the walk would be possible only when your feet are comfortable in appropriate footwear.

A pair of socks can also make a world of a difference. Look for socks made from fabrics suited for hiking. There are padded socks that are designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Otherwise, you can even opt for socks made of two layers that are specifically designed to reduce friction. Socks give that cushioning needed for tired feet.

Also opt for hats or caps to protect yourself from the heat. Knit caps are ideal for the cool winters. Glares are very much needed to keep your eyes protected from the harsh rays of the sun.

With the right hiking apparel, your trip would be enjoyable without any hindrances in terms of comfort. The right clothing can help you face any changes in weather with a smile!