Climbing steep sport routes, just like any other type of route, has its own unique challenges and as such requires its own set of techniques.  Additionally, if you are looking to excel at steep terrain then you should train with that specifically in mind.

To help you train effectively for steep sport routes, here’s an article from Climbing Magazine by Julie Ellison that features a four-week training program from Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou designed to get you ready for a trip to the Red River Gorge or any other steep, endurance oriented, sport climbing area.

“While most people might jump right on the wall and crank out lap after lap at a comfortable grade, that type of training by itself won’t really help you tick harder grades or improve at steep sport climbing. Ten laps on a 5.10 will help build endurance at that grade, but when it comes time to work that 5.12 project, you’ll be left wanting.” – Julie Ellison

The program itself is focused on increasing your endurance, power-endurance, core strength, and ability to rest and recover on steep terrain.  Each day has workouts with specific focus to not only get you in the best route shape possible but also to increase your technical on-route abilities.  Here’s the weekly schedule:

Ellison then goes into detail on all the resting, endurance, core, power-endurance, and technique workouts to provide you with a complete four-week training program that will get you ready for your next sport climbing trip.  Check out the full program by clicking through bellow.

Click Here: How to Train for Steep Sport Routes

(photo courtesy of climbing.com)

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