Climbing: Training for Peak Performance (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series)

This book is very readable, with enough information to satisfy most readers without getting bogged down in details.Soles covers what you need to know about good nutrition, aerobic and resistance training, flexibility, and more. Most importantly, detailed training plans that take into account busy lifestyles and a variety of cross-training sport preferences are provided to take the guess-work out of getting fit. The specific needs of rock climbers vs. mountaineers are addressed. Anyone from couch potato to already-fit climber will learn a lot and improve themselves greatly with the advice in this book. My only gripe is that there is too much emphasis on various devices that can be used, though gadget-free alternatives are usually provided. If you have the desire to be a better climber, are willing to invest in a gym membership or some equipment, and have the will to follow a training plan, Climbing: Training for Peak Performance will get you to your goals.

I decided it was time to lose some weight for real and get into shape. One year and 28 pounds later with a resting heartrate in the low forties (less than my current age) I stumbled across this training guide. It's a great book! Solid science backing up simple truths: good nutrition, work hard, stay consistent. I gained a deeper insight into the progress I had already realized and learned some interesting things about current weaknesses and how to overcome them. For beginner or intermediate middle-aged mountaineers, hikers, climbers, or whatever kind of out-door wanna-be you are, this book is a bargain. Couple it with some of the specialty volumes in the series and you'll soon find yourself prepared to tackle your first 5.10 route or 8000 meter peak.

This book is the most complete training manual for climbers out there, it covers everything from diet and supplements to climbing training on the wall and in the gym. Sets up in and out of season programs.Maybe some other books would help, eg Ripptoes Starting Strength, for more technical descriptions of the squat and deadlift.

Gets you high!

I am not a climber but I used to dabble in it. Now I am getting back in shape. The material is quite nice to read and flows well. It can be used to train in other sports and disciplines and it's not hard to see that from reading. The author is obviously knowledgable and it shows. Thumbs up, I'm enjoying this book and the info it is putting out there.