How to Climb Harder

How to Climb Harder, by Mark Reeves.

This is a practical guide for rock climbers who want to climb harder. It includes structured exercises that can be carried out at your local climbing wall, crag, boulders or at home to improve all aspects of your climbing. The book is broken down into three parts:

• Preparation – before you climb
• Technique – moving up
• Training – getting in shape

Beginning with the basics of how we learn so that you get the most out of this book. Followed by ropework and safety considerations that every climber needs to be aware of before they start climbing, whether top-roping, lead climbing or bouldering.

Next a series of movement techniques introduced through a progressive series of exercises that lead you through from simple to more complex movements. Most of the exercises are intended for bottom roping or bouldering so you can drill the moves until they become second nature. The aim of these exercises is to help you climb safer, with more confidence and less effort than before. The technique section also covers both the tactical and mental techniques that you need for lead climbing.

Finally, the section on training starts with various ways to identify your weaknesses and target your training needs. With this in mind there’s exercises and drills to improve aspects of strength and fitness which you can fit in around your climbing. The section on training young people will be of interest to any parent or coach. The last chapter covers the basics of nutrition.