How to Stay Fit and Keep Climbing Through the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebrations, family gatherings, and plenty of delicious food, but it can also be a challenge to maintain your climbing fitness amidst all the festivities. Whether you’re traveling, busy with holiday preparations, or just enjoying some downtime, it’s easy for your training routine to slip. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to stay fit and keep climbing through the holidays. Here’s how you can stay strong, energized, and climbing-ready even during the busiest time of the year.


1. Maintain Your Climbing Routine (When You Can)

During the holidays, it can be tempting to skip your gym sessions or outdoor climbs, but consistency is key to staying fit. Try to keep up your usual routine, even if you have to adjust it a little. If you can’t get to the gym, make use of your local climbing wall, or try to find nearby outdoor bouldering areas if weather permits.

If your climbing gym is closed for the holidays, check their schedule in advance. Many gyms have holiday hours or special events. Alternatively, if you’re traveling, look for climbing gyms or outdoor spots at your destination. You can even set a goal to try out a new gym or location to keep things interesting.

Tip: Use an app like MyClimb or Strava to log your climbs and track your progress while on holiday.


2. Build a Home Training Routine

If you can’t get to a gym or climbing wall, it’s time to get creative with a home workout routine. Even if you have limited space and equipment, there are plenty of bodyweight exercises that can help you stay in shape for climbing.

Key exercises for climbers to do at home:

  • Push-ups – Build upper body strength.
  • Pull-ups – The best exercise for building climbing-specific back and arm muscles.
  • Planks – Strengthen your core for better body control while climbing.
  • Bodyweight squats and lunges – Improve lower body strength for better footwork.
  • Fingerboard training – If you have a hangboard, train your finger strength for crimping and other holds.

Tip: To stay motivated, set a weekly goal (e.g., 3 workouts per week) and stick to it. Short, intense sessions are often more effective than long workouts that you might skip.


3. Use Climbing-Specific Equipment at Home

If you want to simulate the feeling of climbing without access to a wall, there are a few tools that can help you build strength and endurance right at home. Consider investing in a few climbing-specific pieces of gear that you can easily store and use anywhere.

Essential Climbing Gear for Home Training:

  • Fingerboard: A hangboard is an excellent tool for improving finger strength and building a powerful grip. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available on Amazon UK, such as the Beastmaker 1000 Series Fingerboard.
  • Resistance Bands: These can help with mobility, stretching, and adding resistance to your bodyweight exercises. A good set of resistance bands like Fit Simplify Resistance Bands can target climbing muscles.
  • Portable Pull-up Bar: A sturdy pull-up bar is perfect for at-home training. Try the Iron Gym Pull-Up Bar to build upper body strength for climbing.
  • TRX Suspension Trainer: This is great for full-body strength, improving core stability, and working on climbing-specific muscle groups. Check out the TRX Suspension Trainer.

4. Focus on Mobility and Recovery

In between your climbing sessions, don’t forget the importance of mobility, flexibility, and recovery. The holiday season can be a stressful time, and staying limber is key to preventing injury and ensuring you stay in top climbing shape.

Recovery and Mobility Tips:

  • Stretching: After a workout or climb, take 15–20 minutes to stretch your arms, legs, and back. Focus on the muscle groups you use the most, like your forearms, shoulders, and hip flexors.
  • Foam Rolling: Use a foam roller to release tension in your muscles, especially after heavy training or a long climb.
  • Yoga for Climbers: Yoga is an excellent way to improve flexibility and core strength. Some climbers swear by yoga to balance the tightness from climbing and improve mobility. You can follow free online videos or check out yoga products like a Yoga Mat to help with your practice.

Tip: Schedule time for rest and recovery during the holidays to let your body heal and recharge.


5. Get Outdoors and Explore New Terrain

If the weather permits, use the holiday season as an opportunity to get outside and explore new climbing spots. Even if you’re not able to do a full climbing session, spending time outdoors and hiking to new crags can help maintain your fitness. Bouldering outdoors is also a great way to stay in shape and improve technique, while enjoying the crisp winter air.

Tips for Outdoor Winter Climbing:

  • Check the weather: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so always check forecasts for cold temperatures and precipitation before venturing out.
  • Layering: Make sure you dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable. Don’t forget your gloves for warmth, and consider using a climbing chalk ball to manage your grip when it’s colder.
  • Look for winter-friendly areas: Some outdoor climbing spots are more accessible in the winter, while others may be hazardous due to snow or ice. Research local areas or consult local climbing forums to find winter-friendly crags.

6. Set Holiday Climbing Goals

The holidays are also a great time to reflect on your climbing goals and progress. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, setting goals can keep you motivated and help you stay on track.

Goal-Setting Ideas for the Holidays:

  • Work on Technique: Use the holiday time to focus on specific techniques like heel hooks, body positioning, or improving your footwork. You don’t need to climb a lot—just focus on quality.
  • Strength Training: Set a goal to increase your finger strength by a certain amount or be able to perform a set number of pull-ups.
  • Outdoor Adventure: Plan a climbing trip or outdoor adventure for the new year, and use the holidays to train specifically for that.

7. Have Fun and Be Flexible

Lastly, remember that the holidays are about enjoying the time with your friends and family. While it’s important to stay fit, it’s just as important to have fun. Enjoy the festivities, get outside for some fresh air, and don’t stress about missing a workout or two. Embrace the holiday season, and return to your climbing routine with renewed energy in the new year.


Conclusion

The holidays are a busy time, but with a bit of creativity, you can keep your climbing fitness on track while still enjoying the celebrations. Whether you’re training at home, staying motivated with goals, or exploring new outdoor terrain, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and keep climbing. So, stay active, stay healthy, and keep climbing through the holidays!

Happy holidays and happy climbing! 🎄🧗‍♂️

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