So what's this BlocX everyone's talking about?

Climbers, boulderers and -yes - aspiring ninjas in Luxembourg are in for a treat. A few weeks ago, a huge climbing gym opened in Esch-sur-Alzette: BlocX.

On the menu: numerous bouldering walls, a street workout area, and a ninja course just like the one in the famous TV show. "It's the biggest gym in the Greater Region," boasts Mike, manager at BlocX. The gym also offers a parkour area. The first version of this fully modular facility was designed by Lynn Jung, a Luxembourg athlete specialising in parkour.

Our colleagues frim RTL Infos wanted to experience the place up close... and were blown away by the quality of the facilities. Ten sectors, including one outside, are available for bouldering. Mike confirms that they are renewed twice a week, so that different wall patterns can be climbed regularly.

Beginners and experienced climbers alike were enthusiastic. "There are lots of different levels and styles," says Annick. "The grading equivalents for levels aren't always obvious, but there's a lot to choose from. There's also "enough choice for beginners", says Isabelle, a student at the sports uni Lunex in Differdange. Kristina, also a student, took advantage of the gym's opening to take up climbing again. "I'm here with friends and I'm really motivated, we encourage each other to progress", she smiles.

The huge block area is split over two levels. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

The boulders are graded by level, from 1 to 8. So beginners will be able to find a route to start on, and experienced climbers will be able to test themselves against the most demanding ratings. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

BlocX has installed two 'Kilter Boards', connected walls with adjustable inclines that visitors can change to create new challenges for themselves. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

Large mattresses are placed under the sectors to keep climbers safe. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

You need strength, technique and stamina to tackle the slopes, those areas, where dealing with gravity is even more demanding. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

Don't let the colours fool you, BlocX has something for everyone. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

Annick is an experienced climber. Here she tackles a very demanding boulder. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

Make no mistake: larger holds are sometimes harder to hold on to than smaller ones. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

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Rated from 1 to 8, the walls offer a wide range of difficulties. "All beginners will be able to climb levels 1 and 2, which are very easy," confirms Tom, one of the co-founders. "And don't worry if you're not comfortable at heights, there's plenty of mattresses to cushion you were you to fall."

Having come straight from his job at Kirchberg to do some sport, Cyril began his session in the 'ninja' area, which he describes as "very physical", with its jumps, pull-ups and throws. "All the disciplines I like in one place!"

Just like in the famous TV show "Ninja Warrior", the obstacle course requires strength and agility! / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

The bouldering zone

Thomas Toussaint, journalist with RTL Infos and occasional boulder climber for the past year, was tempted by the BlocX challenge. And he sure wasn't disappointed. When going in, a vast climbing area opened up before him and his team.

Some of the wall holds were surprising, like the "Rubik's cube" ones. In short, there was plenty to do.

BlocX has installed some very imaginative holds to surprise its visitors. / © Thomas Toussaint / RTL

"With no reference to the equivalent grades in my usual gym, I found a clear progression. Levels 1, 2 and 3 are perfect for warming up in stages. There were a lot of them in the gym, which encouraged me to go around and try as many as I could", says Thomas.

The difficulty increases rapidly from levels 4 and 5. It was at this last level that his session ended. Rather than work on more difficult boulders, he preferred to try more boulders below on a lower level to get to know the gym better. "And to spare my forearms, the first to give up during the afternoon," he admits.

© Thomas Toussaint / RTL

"I was particularly taken by the many tilted sectors, which I feel very comfortable on. But also by the layout of the gym. The mats are wide and the central aisle makes it easy to get out of the way and let the others climb", Thomas says admiringly. There are also plenty of lockers to store personal belongings.

The ninja area is a real novelty and, above all, made him ... fail! After all, pull-ups and throws look a lot easier on TV! "But it was great fun trying to reproduce the spectacular routines of the 'Ninja Warrior' pros", he laughs.

Overall, the BlocX room is really big. The 2nd floor brings a lot of extra boulders and means you can always find new challenges, especially on the two connected walls. Despite this, the walls are far from overcrowded, which makes them very comfortable.

On a positive note, a climbing area specially designed for children has been set aside so that they can have fun in complete safety, without disturbing the other climbers. Many parents, carers and climbers were seated in the hall's relaxation area to enjoy a coffee. Yes, that's what climbing is all about: after the effort, the comfort!