Hey you, the overzealous climber. Yes you! Taking time off between climbing trips, specific climbing training, or general climbing sessions actually improves your climbing.

Whether you are just starting out, or finally reaching new levels of climbing proficiency, some rock-jock climbers want to be in the gym or out at the crag every day. If the goal is staying healthy and continuously progressing, then overtraining is counter-intuitive.

Progression in the sport of climbing is a gradual process. The key is knowing where your body’s overall health is along that path. Continuous strain on your muscles and/or tendons leads to injuries, both minor and debilitating. Long hard days of climbing also tax your neurological system. It is critical to take time between outings or training, and let your body recover.

It is most critical to take time off after sustaining injuries. Rushing back into climbing can cause re-injury, or further damage. Take the necessary time off, and let yourself heal. One might also consider slowly ramping back up to previous levels of hard climbing.

We hope you found this video helpful. Feel free to comment below with questions or thoughts!

Please remember, climbing is inherently dangerous. Climb at your own risk.