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Train to Climb Mt. Rainier

This informative video provides a comprehensive 6-month training program for the novice-to-intermediate level alpine climber who wants to climb Mt. Rainier and other high-altitude peaks. Learn more

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Wilderness Sports > Rock and Ice Climbing Training and Conditioning

Rock and Ice Climbing Training and Conditioning

Rock and Ice Climbing Overview

Technical rock and ice climbers require good flexibility in the hips, shoulders, and core muscles in order to negotiate wide stems, twisting overhangs, and high mantels. Technical climbers should develop core, upper and lower body strength for vertical travel with and without a pack. Anaerobic conditioning also is an important component in the technical climber's program, increasing in importance as the climber develops more advanced skills.

Rock climbing is technical class 5 climbing that is steep enough to require sticky-soled, snug-fitting rock climbing shoes as well as helmets, protection, and ropes for the safety of the climbing party. Ice climbing is climbing on routes that require crampons and two ice axes or ice tools. It may be done on frozen waterfalls (water ice) or solid glacier ice that is steeper than 40 degrees. If you are climbing low 5th class rock in mountaineering boots or you need only one ice axe to ascend icy slopes of less than 40 degrees, see the training tips for mountaineering. If the climbing is difficult enough to require rock shoes or the terrain requires two ice axes, see links below for information related to technical climbing.

Training Overview

Training for rock and ice climbing is usually going to involve a combination of training for specific fitness qualities, doing sport specific outings and practicing sport required skill elements. There are five major fitness qualities your general training should focus on for rock and ice climbing. Those qualities are:

• Aerobic Endurance
• Anaerobic Endurance
• Upper Body Strength
• Lower Body Strength
• Flexibility

To learn more about the needed levels of fitness components for technical climbing and to understand more about sport specific and skill training read our Climbing Program Development section. Below you can find a directory of other pages to visit to get a greater understanding of training for climbing including potential goals, trip reports and special mountain coverage.

Training for Rock and Ice Climbing Program Development Unilateral and Bilateral Climbing Exercises Stretching, Injury Prevention and Rehab Special Considerations High Altitude Over 50 Training Women's Issues Approach Preparation Technique Development Specific Article Recommendations Climbing Drills Outdoor Sports Conditioning General Strength Training Guidelines Increase Your Pullups Alpine Climbing Substitutes Get Customized Training Work with a Climbing Training Expert Get a new custom tailored plan every month Results Guaranteed Learn more... Goals YOU can train for Rock and Ice Climbing Goals Overview Rock Climbing Goals Ice Climbing Goals

Recommended Products for Rock and Ice Climbing Training The Outdoor Athlete book. This new book will prepare you for your rock or ice climbing adventure with sample performance training programs designed to maximize outdoor enjoyment. Read more about the book - The Outdoor Athlete Train To Climb Mt Rainier or any high peak DVD. Optimal training for high altitude mountaineering.

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