Slowing the Pump Clock with Eric Hörst

Are you falling off your project because you are getting pumped too quickly? Getting pumped is an inevitable part of route climbing, but the difference between success and failure on your goal route often hinges on your ability to delay the onset of a debilitating pump as long as possible. Rock and Ice recently posted an article by climbing trainer Eric Hörst of trainingforclimbing.com that outlines three strategies for slowing the pump clock and improving endurance.

As Eric points out in his article, these strategies are not ways to get stronger or more fit. Instead they are methods that slow the pump clock by allowing you to climb more efficiently and conserve more energy while on a route.

“It’s a fact that the very best climbers are all strong, yet not every strong climber becomes the very best. The difference often lies in the subtle areas of economy of movement and the ability to prevent the pump and maximize recovery on a climb. The following three strategies do just this. Use them, and you’ll find the pump clock ticking slower, regardless of your current strength or ability.” – Eric Hörst

The three strategies for improving economy of movement that Eric outlines in detail are:

Practice climbing with more economy
Flex your fingers and wrist between grips
Use the G-Tox to speed recovery at rests

Click through and find out how to apply these three strategies for slowing the pump clock to your own climbing.

Also if you are looking to improve your endurance even more check out our new subscription-based Route Climbing Training Program and take your route climbing to the next level.

Click Here: Rock Climbing Training: Slowing the Pump Clock

(Photo by Hayden Carpenter courtesy of rockandice.com)