

19. Why Strength Training Wrecks You—And Why That’s a Sign, Not a Problem
Takeaways from the episode:
- Strength training is essential for climbers.
- Feeling wiped out after lifting indicates a need for capacity building.
- General physical preparedness (GPP) is crucial for handling both climbing and lifting.
- Recovery involves sleep, nutrition, and proper training volume.
- Climbers should not jump into high-volume strength programs too quickly.
- Off-season training is vital for long-term climbing success.
- Planning your training year is important for maintaining performance.
- You can still climb while focusing on strength training.
- Nutrition plays a key role in recovery and performance.
- Strength training should complement climbing, not compete with it.
Summary:
In this episode of the Strong AF Climbing Podcast, Natasha discusses the importance of strength training for climbers and addresses common misconceptions about its impact on climbing performance. She emphasizes that if strength training consistently leaves climbers feeling sore or fatigued, it may indicate a lack of capacity or recovery rather than a flaw in the training itself. Natasha outlines the importance of building general physical preparedness (GPP), ensuring adequate recovery through sleep and nutrition, and the necessity of planning off-seasons for long-term success in climbing. She encourages climbers to adopt a balanced approach to training that supports their climbing goals without overwhelming their bodies.
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