Training for Climbing – The Definitive Guide to Improving your Performance by Eric J. Horst

When it comes to the sport of climbing, every climber wants to get better and progress to higher levels of difficulty and skill. As anyone who has ever tried to tackle a bouldering problem or a big wall ascent knows, achieving success can be incredibly challenging. That’s why Eric J. Horst’s book: Training for Climbing – The Definitive Guide to Improving your Performance is an essential resource for those seeking to get over the edge and make the most of their climbing ability.

Based on over 30 years of research, experience and testing, Eric has written an indispensable recommendation for getting better at climbing. Finding the right balance between strength and skill, rest and training, mental and physical preparation, this guide will help you to quickly and easily make progress in a few key climbs in your life, if not your whole climbing career.

With detailed explanation of the five key components of climbing performance – aerobic/endurance, strength, power, technique/body position and motor control – this book dives deep into what makes a competitive climber tick. From restorative stretching and strength training exercises to cutting-edge biomechanics and the building of mental toughness, this book is packed with data-driven knowledge that Eric has tested countless times.

In addition to the section devoted to the five components of training, this book also discusses the importance of pre-climb preparations, including stretching and nutrition. The chapter on injury prevention and management is especially important for anybody looking to keep their body in peak condition while pushing themselves to the limit.

The rationale and methodology Eric provides also come with in-depth case studies of real climbers from different backgrounds, helping readers to put information into context and putting a face to the studies and figures. As somebody who has faced his own challenges throughout his career, Eric’s exercises and recommendations are based upon his own knowledge and experience, which serves to further increase their legitimacy.

The companion website provides further training, exercises and summaries as well as training logs to create a more individualized approach, allowing us to track and analyze our progress and mistakes.

In short, Eric J. Horst’s Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving your Performance is the comprehensive book any serious climber should have in their arsenal when it comes to becoming the best they can be. With detailed and comprehensive information and a pragmatic approach to climbing, this book is without a doubt the go-to resource for anybody looking to take their skills to the next level.