Rock the Holidays: Climb Into the New Year with Adventure and Goals
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and set new intentions—both in life and in your climbing journey. As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect opportunity to start thinking ahead to your climbing goals for the new year. Whether you’re striving to crush harder grades or take on new challenges, now is the time to begin laying the groundwork. This month, we’re diving into the art of setting realistic climbing goals and the training basics you need to achieve them.
Setting Realistic Climbing Goals for the New Year
As climbers, we all have big dreams. Maybe you want to finally send your long time project, or perhaps you’re aiming to increase your endurance or try a new discipline. We’re looking at you boulder only peeps! The key to making those dreams a reality is setting realistic goals that will keep you motivated and help you track your progress.
Start by assessing where you are in your climbing journey. What are your strengths? What areas need improvement? Once you’ve identified those, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, rather than saying “I want to get better at bouldering,” try something like, “I want to consistently send V4 problems by the end of March.”
Use December as a Time to Work on Your Projects
December is the perfect time to begin working toward those new year goals. Use this month to focus on projects—whether that’s a particular route or problem you’ve been eyeing or simply honing your technique. Climbing often requires a mix of strength, skill, and mental focus, and December is a great time to work on all three.
Break down your goals into manageable chunks. What can you work on each week to prepare for that big challenge in January? Is there a specific weakness you need to address, like finger strength or footwork? Maybe it’s flexibility or mental toughness. Tackling these now will ensure you’re prepared to hit the ground running when January rolls around.
Training Basics to Help You Achieve Your Goals
Climbing isn’t just about sending routes; it’s about continuous improvement. Incorporating a balanced training routine is key to progressing. Strength training is essential for building power and endurance, but don’t forget about mobility and recovery, too.
Consider these training basics:
- Core stability: Add core exercises to your routine for better control and movement efficiency.
- Endurance: Take on longer sessions to build stamina, especially if your goal involves outdoor climbing.
- Rest: Make sure to allow time for recovery to prevent burnout or injury.
Train for the Royal Burn
With the Royal Burn just around the corner on Saturday February 15th, there’s no better time than December to dial in your training. Focus on building strength, refining your technique, and working on your mental game. Setting goals now and training through the winter months will ensure you’re ready for the competition.
Embrace the Community and the Joy of Sharing the Sport
The climbing community is one of the most supportive and encouraging you’ll find. As you work on your goals this month, remember to celebrate the small victories and embrace the camaraderie that comes with climbing. There’s something special about the collective energy of climbing with others who share your passion and excitement and our Team at Inner Peaks is in your corner!
So, as you prepare for the new year, take time to set your goals, work on your projects, and embrace the community around you. Let’s finish out this year strong, and enter 2025 ready to take our climbing to the next level—especially for those gearing up for the Royal Burn! Happy holidays, and here’s to a fantastic new year of climbing!