Climb like a Pro, 3 Basic Climbing Skills

CLIMB LIKE A PRO

To Newcomers, the art of climbing movement seems strange and mysterious. Almost like a dance against gravity. However, no matter how complicated the movement might look, all climbers rely on these 3 basic principles:

1 – FOOTWORK

One of the easiest ways to spot a beginner on the wall is where they are focused most…on their hands, or on their feet.  Climbers who are concentrating on the next foothold are likely not using their arms to pull themselves up as much.

Here’s a few ways to use your feet more effectively as you reposition your hands:

  • Look for your footholds before your handholds

The best climbers in the gym are not always the strongest.  But the best climbers in the gym are always using the biggest muscles in their body first and foremost…which are in their legs!  

  • Place your foot on a hold and keep it still.

This might seem elementary, but pay attention to your feet when you climb and you’ll see what we mean! The more you move your feet after they are set, the more likely you are to lose your balance.  

  • Use your toes and the front triangle of your shoe. 

It might be tempting to place your foot parallel to that enormous hold you’re stepping up on, but the rubber on your shoes is meant to stick to the wall as long as you use your shoes properly.  Use your toes and you are less likely to slip off as you pivot to reach for that next hold.

2 – BALANCE

  • Keep your feet directly below you.

This means that if you move your foot to a foothold on the right side, you’ll also want to shift your body weight over that hold.

  • Four points of contact whenever possible.

The more contact you can have with the wall, the more likely you will stay in balance.  You want to create a triangle between your two hand placements and your center of gravity (near your belly button).  

  • Opposite forces create balance.  

Think about where your hands are.  If you are pulling with your left hand, try pushing with your right leg to stand up, and vice versa.

3 – EFFICIENT CLIMBING

  • “Straight arms are happy arms.”

Hang around climbers for any amount of time and you will likely hear this saying.  When your arms are bent, you are using a number of muscles to move your bodyweight up the wall.  But when your arms are straight, your bones can take some of that weight off to help you preserve your energy.  This helps you use your legs more, too!

  • Turn one hip to the wall.  

Not only does this help with balance, but it allows you to transfer weight to your foot on that side, and increase your arm reach!  

  • Use your legs to stand up!

Another saying you might hear is “climb it like a ladder.”  Think back to the last time you saw a worker climbing a ladder using all the muscles in their arms to pull themselves up.  That would be ridiculous!  Stand up, and once your legs are straight, then find your next handhold to help you keep your balance.