There is a lot of noise around menstrual cycle training right now. Some of it is genuinely useful. Some of it turns a complex topic into a rigid monthly rulebook that tells athletes exactly when to push, exactly when to back off, and exactly what every phase is supposed to feel like.

Self-consciousness is one of the quietest performance limiters in climbing. It does not show up the way weak fingers, poor footwork, or low power do. You cannot measure it on a hangboard or point to it on a training log.

Chalk seems simple until you actually start climbing regularly. Then you realize not all chalk feels the same, not all chalk behaves the same, and not every type works equally well for every climber, gym, or crag.

Flexibility is often treated like an optional extra in climbing. It gets pushed to the end of the session, skipped when time is short, and brought back into focus only when a position feels impossible or something starts to feel off. That approach leaves a lot of potential unused.

This question comes up constantly in climbing, and for good reason. Some climbers swear by lifting. Others avoid it completely because they worry it will make them bulky, stiff, or worse at the sport. Most people are not really asking whether barbells are good or bad. They are asking whether lifting will actually help them climb better.

Upper body strength matters in climbing, but it is easy to misunderstand what that really means. A lot of climbers hear “get stronger” and immediately think of more pull-ups, more reps, and more gym work piled on top of an already full climbing week.

Finger strength matters in climbing, but it is easy to misunderstand what that really means. Stronger fingers can open new doors on the wall, help you stay composed on smaller holds, and give you more margin when the moves get demanding.

A lot of climbers talk about flexibility as if it is a side project. Something you do after climbing, when you remember. Something that might help a little, but only if you have extra time. In practice, that mindset leaves a lot of performance on the table.

Projecting isn’t just about trying harder—it’s about using your effort with intention. Progress comes from learning sequences, managing energy, and refining each attempt, not simply repeating the same effort over and over. Ascend Coach Dan Mirsky break it down in this article.

Climbing is a skill sport first and a strength sport second.
The best climbers aren’t always the strongest — they’re the most efficient, the most precise, and the most intentional with their movement. Learning to move well on the wall is one of the fastest ways to improve your climbing.

Dan Mirsky shares the story behind his send of Fat Camp in Rifle, reflecting on the role of training, mindset, and learning to trust your natural climbing style.

In a limestone cave, a season of work narrows to one moment. A Deadline in the Dark reflects on pressure, ambition, and redefining success.

Trying your hardest every session feels productive—but it often leads to plateaus. Climbing at roughly 80 percent builds skills, momentum, and durability faster over time. Long-term progress comes from consistency, not constant max effort.