The
Tennessee
Bouldering
Authority
climbing gym
philosophy
Bouldering is the essence of rock climbing, allowing the mind and body to learn the basic tenets of moving over stone. Scaling boulders, rarely getting above ten feet and unencumbered by ropes, boulderers are free to explore their true limits without fear of injury.
It's all about being spatial (knowing where your body is in space), and quieting the mind to achieve what at first seems insurmountable. Unlocking the puzzle and solving the problem is a personally fulfilling experience, in turn giving you confidence to accept even loftier challenges. Herein lies the attraction of bouldering, a chess game of mind, body, and nature.
Chattanooga is internationally recognized as a rock climbing destination where climbers and boulderers alike come to test their skill on the sandstone cliffs and boulders. But before they enter the arena of the improbable, they hone their skill indoors scaling man-made structures set to test their weaknesses.
The Tennessee Bouldering Authority (TBA) in St. Elmo was built with this in mind. A training facility specifically built to develop climbing strength and challenge the mind. All the tools are available to take you from a novice to an expert level in a comforting, appealing environment. TBA is an indoor bouldering gym unlike any other. We don't have structures to climb, we have sculptures. We didn't replicate real rock, we recreated it with bold colors and angles. Velvet covered padding, two feet high, makes falling pleasurable and ropes obsolete. System training boards, pull-up bars, gymnastic rings, weights, and an 80lb. punching bag creates a well rounded training facility. In addition, eleven eight-foot windows, comfortable lounge area, and fresh sound system combine to complete the motivating ambiance.
More importantly, TBA presents services geared to facilitate the transition to the vertical world. Tricks of the trade are generously shared with all visitors. Personal sessions, routines, and diets are available to further enhance your core strength and abilities, as well as safety courses to prepare you for future rope work. Ladies and youth sessions are available weekly. Guided day, weekend, and week-long bouldering and sport climbing trips are also available.