How to Practice With Climbing Holds

By practicing climbing on artificial climbing holds, a person can develop better technical rock climbing skills and greater strength for improved outdoor climbing. Artificial rock climbing holds simulate features found on outdoor rock climbs. They allow people to practice for outdoor rock climbing in a safe, controlled indoor climbing environment. Course setters affix individual climbing holds of different sizes and shapes at varying intervals and in different orientations on synthetic climbing walls to create individual climbs. These indoor climbing routes challenge the rock climber to perform specific types of climbing movements.

Things You'll Need

  • Climbing gym
  • Climbing shoes
  • Climbing chalk
  • Chalk bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a rock climbing route or boulder problem to attempt, using the indoor climbing gym's difficulty rating system as a guideline.

    • 2

      Read the route or problem from the ground. Try to figure out the order in which you will grab the climbing holds, how to grab them and where to place your feet.

    • 3

      Grasp the designated starting holds with your hands, and step onto the wall by placing your feet on the specified starting footholds.

    • 4
      A climber keeping his arms as straight as possible.

      Move one hand up to the next handhold on the route. Strive to keep your movement fluid and your arms straight, bending one or both arms only as necessary to make an upward movement. Turn your body to help keep your arms straight, pivoting on your feet to encourage this body position.

    • 5

      Attempt to move one foot or both feet up after each hand movement. Watch your foot connect with the intended foothold. Aim to stand on the inside edge of your big toe most of the time, a position offering tremendous power, reach and mobility.

    • 6

      Seek stances on decent holds that allow you to rest mid-climb by bending your legs and straightening out your arms. Drop one hand off of the wall, and shake it both above and below your waist. Repeat this process with the other arm, resting until your heart rate lowers and your arms feel more recovered.