How to Start Training for Climbing

Training for climbing may seem daunting, but it’s not quite as scary as you might think. It's rad that you want to train for climbing and improve your climbing ability! Remember, everyone starts from somewhere. Whether you have been climbing for years or are just beginning your climbing journey, creating (or finding) a training plan for climbing is 100% doable for anyone. 

Good news! The best training for climbing, especially for beginners, is to climb, climb, climb. Seriously, the more time you spend on the wall, whether training or just climbing boulder problems and sport routes, the stronger you'll get. However, there are plenty of supplemental exercises and workouts to incorporate into your training that don't involve the climbing wall but will lead to overall strength, power, and endurance gains. 

Good news - part two! The Internet, yes, that thing we all have access to at our fingertips, is your best friend. (Aren't you reading this article on the Internet?) While this article offers the basics to get you started on your training journey, there are resources galore for free on the Internet that can give you additional training ideas, routines, programs, and more! So, keep reading to jump-start your training for climbing and explore the other free resources the World Wide Web holds for you. 

Tips to Start Training For Climbing 

1. Sign up for a class at your local climbing gym.

   Many commercial climbing gyms offer a range of classes and climbing programs for individuals of all ages. Whether it's a technique class, learn to lead climb class, or adult bouldering league, an option will likely suit your training fancy. And, if it's at your local gym, odds are you'll find a training partner or two to motivate you and push you along the way. Also, check if there are membership perks at your climbing gym, like free access to classes. Getting a membership, if you don't already have one, that has additional benefits will not only aid you in your training but will provide the financial commitment to ensure your commitment to training for climbing. 
   

2. Do your research.

   While signing up for a class at your local climbing gym is a great place to start and dip your feet in the water, doing your research will help you structure your workouts when climbing on your own.  First, ask yourself what areas of your climbing you want to improve. The three major physical components of climbing are power, strength, and endurance/fitness; if you want to improve them all, great! But maybe you are already strong and primarily want to focus on increasing your endurance. Either way, deciding what will be your priority in training is the first step. 

   Then, remember that thing called the Internet; use it! Many people don’t realize it, but Googling is a skill! To find workouts that will work for your training goals, search for:

   1. "train for" or "workouts for" 

   2. The climbing you want to do, "boulder or rope." 

   3. The component(s) you want to train "power, power endurance, or endurance."

   Lastly, remember that whatever you choose, don't go crazy off the bat. Consistency and quality are always better than quantity with no aim. 

3. Don't be afraid to try the climbs you think are too hard for you. 

   Don't sell yourself short when it comes time to start implementing your acquired training knowledge on the wall! That means don't always choose the sport routes or boulder problems within your "I know I can finish this" capacity. Instead, opt to try the climb at or just above your limit. You might not finish it, but you'll never grow as a climber if you don't step outside your comfort zone. The odds are you might even surprise yourself. 

   Challenging climbs are also a great benchmark! If you can only make two moves on a hard climb during week one of training, go back to that climb at the end of week three or four and see if you can climb further than before. Your progress can serve as a benchmark for your training gains!

   So, there you have it; three essential tips to start your training for climbing. Remember, this is just a drop on the surface of an ocean of resources on training. And, above all, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Chew off a bite-size piece from all the information you take in, and start there. Over time you'll learn how to add complexity to your routine and push to new limits, but for now, acknowledge and start at your current level. You've got this!

Thanks for checking out this article! Let us know in the comments below which of these tips you found most helpful!