Climbing delivers full-body transformation—grip strength, proprioception, mobility, cognitive engagement—so completely that it seduces practitioners into believing it sufficient. This assumption limits potential. For those seeking stronger performance, extended sessions, and injury resilience, resistance training demands inclusion. Climbing develops coordination, technical precision, and finger-specific capacity. What it often neglects: general strength, particularly in larger muscle groups. […]
Russian and Belarusian Federations Reinstated by World Climbing with Neutral Athlete Policy
As of February 11, 2026, Russian and Belarusian climbers are no longer barred from World Climbing events, a suspension that lasted since March 2022. The recent meeting of the World Climbing Executive Board in Torino, Italy, resulted in the reinstatement of both national federations. However, athletes from these countries must now comply with the Neutral […]
Mastering Climbing Holds: A Guide for Climbers
One of the foundational techniques we cover in our introductory climbing classes is the effective use of holds crafted by our skilled routesetters. Even if you’re the strongest climber in the gym, using holds incorrectly—like an undercling—can easily send you off the wall. Let’s explore some common climbing holds and how to utilize each one […]
The Importance of Choosing the Right Climbing Shoes
Your first pair of climbing shoes significantly influences your climbing experience. If they’re too tight, you’ll find yourself wincing instead of climbing. Conversely, if they’re too loose, you might question why your feet keep slipping off holds that others stick to confidently. It’s common to see beginners opt for aggressive, downturned shoes after observing advanced […]
Touchstone Climbing Opens Hyperion in Redwood City
On May 5, 2025, Touchstone Climbing unveiled Hyperion, its 18th facility, in Redwood City, California, strategically located between San Francisco and San Jose. This mixed-discipline climbing gym will expand its offerings with roped climbing amenities slated for completion by 2026, just months before Touchstone celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founders Debra and Mark Melvin first launched […]
Route Reading: The Skill Most Climbers Ignore
The default pattern: grab holds, fail two moves in, drop, declare insufficient strength. Sometimes accurate. Usually wrong. Rapid improvement demands pre-departure planning—transforming random attempts into intentional execution. This is route reading: constructing movement sequences, body positions, recovery points, and contingencies before leaving the ground. The Five Critical Questions Effective preview answers: Where does difficulty concentrate? […]
Why Kids Belong on the Wall: Five Transformations
Remember childhood climbing? Trees, playground structures, parental anxiety about woodchips and hard landings. What if there existed a space where children could scramble to genuine heights without catastrophic risk—a place that simultaneously forged confidence, social capability, and physical literacy? Indoor climbing has exploded precisely because it delivers this improbable combination. Your kids stand to gain […]
Blocworks Expands with New Location in Midtown, Oklahoma City
In January 2025, Blocworks Climbing launched its second bouldering gym in Midtown, Oklahoma City, five years after the first facility opened in Edmond, Oklahoma. Entrepreneurs Mariah and Evan Small identified a significant opportunity in the local climbing market, prompting them to explore areas suitable for a second location. The Midtown space presented itself unexpectedly when […]