How to Improve your Trad Climbing Skills with Climbing Training Weights.​

Climbing presents us with unique challenges that test not only our physical strength but also our mental tenacity. The beauty of the sport is that there are so many variants: bouldering, sport climbing, top roping, and traditional or trad climbing, to name a few. Each of these climbing styles is unique, requiring different skills and techniques. However, in this post, we will focus on traditional climbing and a method to enhance your performance in this area using climbing training weights.

The Distinctive Features of Trad Climbing

Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, differs significantly from other climbing styles, like sport climbing or top roping. It requires climbers to carry a range of equipment on their harness, such as cams, nuts, slings, belay device, cord – to name a few – which they place into the rock as they ascend to protect against falls. This heavy gear places an extra burden on climbers, requiring them not only to possess climbing skills but also the strength to carry the additional load. This is where training with weights can be beneficial.

The Power of Climbing Training Weights

Training with weights can help climbers prepare for the weight of the gear they’ll carry during their trad climbing excursions. When using climbing training weights, it’s important to note that you don’t need to add a massive load to feel the resistance. In fact, a small addition of weight can make a significant difference when you’re climbing at or near your maximum limit.

Adding extra weight to your harness in the climbing gym mimics the effects of carrying trad gear on actual rock faces. Over time, the added resistance builds strength and endurance, preparing your body for the actual weight you’ll bear during a trad climb. Essentially, the weight prepares you for the strain of carrying gear and climbing simultaneously.

Pushing Your Max Climbing Grade

If you’re looking to push your max climbing grade, training with weights can help you level up. The extra load helps your body adapt to a higher level of physical demand, improving your power and stamina. By consistently training with weights, you’ll likely find yourself able to push through climbs that were previously challenging and reach new heights on your trad climbing journey.

Practicality and Safety

Finally, an excellent advantage of using climbing training weights is that they’re often much cheaper and more practical than bringing your outdoor gear to the gym. While it might be tempting to train with your actual climbing gear, there’s always the risk of theft or damage when bringing expensive equipment into a public setting. Using training weights alleviates these concerns while still providing the strength and endurance benefits you need for successful trad climbing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, training with weights can provide significant benefits for those looking to improve their trad climbing skills. By simulating the weight of traditional climbing gear, they help climbers build the strength and endurance necessary to carry heavy equipment while scaling rock faces. If you’re serious about pushing your limits in trad climbing, consider adding climbing training weights to your training regimen. With consistent practice, you’ll likely find yourself reaching new heights, literally and metaphorically. Climb on!