Strengthen the Body and Mind with Bouldering动动手，动动脑，动身玩抱石

If you are looking for some adventure along with physical challenges， you may want to give “bouldering” a try. This activity involves free climbing on small rock formations or artificial rock walls. Bouldering， which literally means climbing on boulders， doesn’t need ropes or harnesses that are necessary for rock climbing. Bouldering only requires a minimal amount of equipment such as climbing shoes， some chalk， and safety mats. A bouldering wall is no higher than five meters， so bouldering can be done both indoors and outdoors. What’s more， climbers are challenged to solve problems by using their strength， technique， and balance to ascend rocks.

如果你正寻找某种冒险及体能挑战，你可以试试看“抱石”。这项活动包含在小石头结构上或人造石墙上自由攀登。抱石，字面上是指攀爬巨石，并不需要攀岩所必须使用的绳索或背带。抱石只需要最少量的装备，像是攀岩鞋、滑石粉和安全垫。抱石墙不会高于五米，因此抱石可于室内或室外进行。此外，攀登者面临的挑战，是利用他们的体能、技巧和平衡感攀登岩石来解决问题。

Bouldering has different scales to measure the difficulty of climbs. One of the most common is the V-scale， where climbs are rated from the easiest V0 up to V17. The Fontainebleau scale uses numbers from 1 to 9. However， there are also subdivisions featuring letters， such as 7a or 8b. The scale levels are divided according to the steepness， length， shape， and texture of the rock. Other factors include the type and size of the holds， the distance between them， and the complexity of the moves.

抱石有不同的等级来衡量攀登的难度。其中最常见的是V系统。这个系统的攀登难度评级从最简单的V0一路至V17。枫丹白露难度系统使用数字1到9，然而此系统还以字母作为分支，如7a或8b。每个等级是根据石头的陡峭度、长度、形状和质地来区分。其他因素还包括握把的形状和大小、握把间距以及移动的复杂程度。

Various aspects of climbing are a focus in bouldering. Climbers need to consider such problems as faces， slabs， overhangs and traverses while climbing. While some climbs may require delicate footwork and technical skill， as well as strength and power. At the higher end of difficulty scales， all of these abilities are needed.

抱石著重攀登的不同层面。攀登者在攀登时得考虑垂直墙、内倾、外倾、横渡路线和攀登路线等问题。有些攀爬可能需要细腻的脚法和专业的技巧，还需要体能和力量。攀爬难度等级较高的级别时，所有这些能力都是必需的。

The best thing about bouldering is that it benefits people’s physical and mental health. Because it involves intense activity first and is followed by rest periods， it offers both cardio workouts and strength training. It can also boost self-confidence and even has cognitive benefits since it requires problem-solving abilities and deep concentration. Bouldering is a fun way to let off steam.

玩抱石最棒的便是它有益身心健康。由于抱石先是剧烈活动，然后再休息一段时间，所以提供了有氧锻炼和体能训练。抱石还能增强自信心，甚至还有认知方面的益处，因为抱石需要解决问题的能力以及保持深度专注。抱石是一种释放精力的有趣方式。

Word Bank

ascend /ə'send/ v. 上升；升高；登高

Her heart was thumping as she ascended the stairs.

subdivision /'sʌbdɪvɪʒn/ n. 进一步分成的部分；分支；分部

concentration /'kɒnsn'treɪʃn/ n. 专心；专注

This book requires a great deal of concentration.