

The Strong AF Climbing Podcast
Natasha Barnes
Climbing is a lifestyle sport. So how can you perform at your best, prevent injury, and improve your longevity in the sport all at the same time? This podcast is the answer. The Strong AF Climbing Podcast is for climbers who want to build strength to support climbing and become more resilient athletes. In this podcast, we’ll talk about all things strength training for climbers, rehab and managing climbing injuries! Hosted by Dr. Natasha Barnes, an elite athlete herself and strength and rehab coach for climbers. Listen to the podcast and hop aboard the gainz train!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2023 • 45min
7. Rethinking Pain: How Beliefs and Expectations Shape our Experience of Pain & Injury
Did you know that our minds have the power to reverse the effects of a powerful opioid? That's right, a drug that can numb our pain can also be counteracted by our own thoughts and beliefs. You're probably wondering, how is this possible?
It all comes down to the incredible complexity of how pain works and the intricate dance between our brains and bodies. Pain is not purely a physical sensation. It's a multifaceted experience rooted deep within our nervous system. And we're going to explore just how much control we have over this experience.
In this episode, Dr. Natasha Barnes dives into the world of pain science, pain management and injury recovery. From back pain to elbow sensitivity, Natasha provides insights, personal experiences, and expert advice on how to navigate the challenges of pain and injury.
Whether you're a climber or simply looking for ways to deal with pain, this episode will give you the tools and knowledge to reframe pain and work around it during training. Let's dive in!
[00:02:04] Injury is inevitable for athletes; normalize it.
[00:08:38] Powerful pain expectations reverse drug effects.
[00:12:50] Power of the mind affects opioid potency.
[00:17:35] Reframe pain, retrain response, address unhelpful thoughts.
[00:22:50] Use CBT techniques to create and "evidence sheet", challenge negative beliefs and cognitive distortions.
[00:23:43] Research suggests slap tears may not cause pain.
[00:30:48] Self efficacy in rehab leads to better pain outcomes.
[00:35:16] When to seek professional guidance.
[00:41:48] Exercise even directly after surgery improves outcomes.
Follow me on Instagram
Join the Foundational Strength Program
Book an Injury Consultation
Train with me
My Website

Oct 17, 2023 • 60min
EP 6 - How To Warm Up for Strength Training
In this episode, we'll be discussing various strategies for warming up for your strength training session. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of using RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) to accurately gauge your effort level and adjust your training accordingly. So get ready to get warmed up and let's dive in!
RPE calculator
Follow me on Instagram
Join the Foundational Strength Program
Book an Injury Consultation
Train with me
My Website

Oct 10, 2023 • 52min
5. Demystifying Autoregulation: The Science and Art of Adjusting Training Intensity
Discover the transformative power of autoregulation in workouts! Learn how adjusting training intensity based on your daily performance can yield better results. Explore the importance of the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to select training loads effectively. Uncover the risks of rigid plans and one-rep max tests. Plus, find out how this approach can enhance creativity and productivity beyond physical training. It's all about maximizing gains while preventing burnout and injuries!

Oct 3, 2023 • 51min
EPISODE 4: Implementing Effective Strength Training Strategies for Climbers
Explore effective strength training strategies tailored for climbers, with insights on creating time-efficient programs. Discover the significance of exercises selection, proper nutrition, and the need for progressive overload. Dive into research on optimal sets and repetitions for muscle growth while balancing climbing practice. Learn about tailored warm-up techniques and approaches to gradually increase resistance. Finally, uncover common misconceptions and find out how to maximize your strength training for better climbing performance.

Sep 26, 2023 • 59min
EPISODE 3: Powerlifting Competition Recap
Powerlifting competition recap. We talk about:
What powerlifting is
How a powerlifting competition works
My training for the powerlifting competition
How the competition went for me
This probably won't be the MOST listened to episode but it was requested but listeners. Skip this one if you don't care about powerlifting. Next week we have an episode on strength training programming dropping so stay tuned!
Check my other IG for videos HERE
Join the Foundational Strength Program HERE
Learn about working with me for coaching HERE
Book an injury consultation HERE
Follow me on Instagram

Sep 19, 2023 • 40min
Strength Training For Climbers
Climbers often overlook strength training, but it’s crucial for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. Discover why just climbing isn’t enough to build strength. Learn about recommended strength standards and effective training doses tailored for climbers. Dive into the health benefits of resistance training, including reduced injury risks and lower mortality rates. Find out how to create a balanced strength regimen that complements climbing practices and strengthens your skills.

Sep 12, 2023 • 10min
Podcast Introduction
Introducing the STRONG AF Climbing Podcast with your host Dr. Natasha Barnes. A podcast for climbers about managing injuries, getting stronger, and becoming more resilient! In this episode, we talk about what the podcast is going to be about, schedule for the podcast, format, and what else you can expect from this podcast.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Tom Herbert
Kiley (Ky) Burnett
The Struggle Climbing Show - Ryan Devlin
The Nugget Climbing Podcast - Steven Dimmitt
The Power Company Podcast - Kris Hampton & Nate Drolet
The Messy Middle Podcast - Dr. Alyssa Olenick
Lady Beta Podcast/Ambition Entrepreneur Podcast - Chelsea Murn
The Training Beta Podcast - Neely Quinn
The Clinical Athlete Podcast - Quinn, Jared, John
The Progression Health Podcast - Ross
Adaptabilia - Mason & Chris
You Are Made For More Podcast - Heather Campbell
The Foundational Strength Program for Climbers


