Coach Hörst shares 15 game-changing tips to elevate your climbing this season.

Performance gains aren't made solely in the gym. As Coach Hörst explains, there's a lot you can do in-season—technically, tactically, and nutritionally—to level up your outdoor climbing.

Apply just a few of these strategies today, and you might send your project sooner than expected. Put most or all into practice over the coming weeks, and you could unlock a whole new level of performance this season!

RUNDOWN

0:30 – Introduction: Why these 15 tips matter for your in-season performance.

2:20 – Tip #1: Know the context of your current training and climbing—and act accordingly.

5:08 – Tip #2: Dial in your warm-up to match the demands of your project. (Not all warm-ups are created equal!)

8:40 – Tip #3: Time your sends by planning around temperature trends and sun exposure.

10:35 – Tip #4: Build confidence by climbing routes that match your natural style.

12:35 – Tip #5: Occasionally work "anti-style" routes to promote long-term growth and mastery.

15:35 – Tip #6: Always bring two pairs of shoes: a comfortable pair for warming up and a performance pair for sending.

18:20 – Tip #7: Prioritize movement efficiency when projecting. Climb smart with the strength and skills you have today.

24:15 – Tip #8: Focus on making a few high-quality efforts per session—not just maxing out your goes.

27:55 – Tip #9: Recover faster between attempts with active recovery techniques.

31:28 – Tip #10: Don't climb to exhaustion. End your session before mental and physical fatigue sabotages your efforts—and recovery.

📢 Commercial Break: Why top doctors and PTs recommend daily collagen supplementation for athletes. Use code PODCAST15 to save 15% at PhysiVantage.com

41:50 – Tip #11: Fuel appropriately for the day's climbing. Stable blood glucose = steady performance.

47:20 – Tip #12: Refuel quickly post-session: 20g protein + some carbs within 30 minutes. Follow up with a healthy meal within 2–3 hours.

50:32 – Tip #13: One beer max (zero is ideal) to avoid impairing recovery.

52:32 – Tip #14: Do some light stretching or foam rolling in the evening to aid recovery and sleep.

54:30 – Tip #15: Have a 20–40g protein shake about 30 minutes before bed to support overnight muscle repair and growth.

57:40 – BONUS TIP!: Learn how to outperform the masses by doing what most climbers won't.

1:01:57 – Wrap-up: Final thoughts, resources, and how to connect.

Stay Connected with Coach Hörst and Training for Climbing

📬 Join the Newsletter: Get a monthly dose (or two) of exclusive training tips delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up at TrainingForClimbing.com—just enter your name and email in the popup.

📱 Follow Eric Online: Instagram: @eric_horst | @training4climbing Twitter: @Train4Climbing YouTube: Training For Climbing Channel Facebook: Training For Climbing

🎧 Support the Podcast Sponsor: Fuel your performance with PhysiVantage Nutrition—formulated for climbers, trusted by pros. Use checkout code PODCAST15 at PhysiVantage.com to save 15% on full-priced items (North America only).

🌍 Outside North America? Order from EPIC-TV Shop or BananaFingers.com.

👟 SAVE on La Sportiva shoes here >>

🙌 Thanks to our supporters: La Sportiva, DMM Climbing, Friction Labs, PhysiVantage Nutrition

🎵 Music by Misty Murphy

💬 Love the podcast? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with a friend who climbs!