This is the ideal program for rock climbers who have not engaged in true organized training for rock climbing. This plan will help you build the skills, strength, and endurance necessary for improved rock climbing performance. We also provide useful tips, tactics, and tricks that are critical to taking your climbing to the next level.

Equipment: A climbing gym is mandatory, and it’s preferable, but not necessary that you have access to outdoor climbing as well.

Timing: Expect three hard weeks, followed by a one week taper designed to create a “mini peak” useful for a road trip or sending a project.

Summary: The program begins with lots of climbing. As a relatively new climber, it’s critically important for you to build a movement base. If you were asked, “You have a left-hand gaston. Where should your right foot go?” or “You have a right hand undercling, and want to reach far to the left. What foot position gives you the longest reach?” Could you immediately and easily answer? Most people can't. So during this first week, and throughout the program, there is going to be lots of climbing, so that you can begin to build a climbing movement vocabulary, that will eventually become intuitive while moving over stone. (With a left hand gaston a high right foot will generally be the best position for maximum reach. With a right hand undercling, a left foot back step, with the left hip twisted in towards the wall, will yield the biggest reach.)

Send us your success stories! You might also want to visit our free forum at uphillathlete.com where you will find answers to the most common questions about our training plans. 

Happy Training, 
The Uphill Athlete Team