The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E155: Natasha Barnes - Should we all be strength training?
Jul 2, 2025
Natasha Barnes, a former professional climber and national bouldering champion, passionately discusses the transformative power of strength training. She shares her journey from injury to recovery through powerlifting, emphasizing the importance of tailored strength programs for climbers. The conversation dives into how strength training empowers women and influences body image, along with the benefits of training for various demographics. Natasha also offers insights on navigating the overwhelming information on rehabilitation, encouraging intentional climbing and structured training for optimal performance.
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Natasha's Career-Altering Finger Injury
- Natasha Barnes was a pro climber and national bouldering champion but suffered a bad finger injury during competition.
- Lack of proper rehab knowledge made her take long rest, leading to nearly ending her climbing career.
Rehab by Gradual Progressive Loading
- Rather than just resting, work injured areas gently to stimulate healing and tissue strength.
- Gradual re-entry and progressive loading encourage recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Rehab Mirrors Training Principles
- Rehab and training share the same principles: progressive loading to build strength and tissue capacity.
- Effective rehab requires starting with a manageable load and gradually matching or exceeding climbing demands.