RRC Archives

SCIN wrote:Michelle is in the final few weeks of the entire 90 day P90X program and she feels like it has helped her core strength for climbing. She appears to be moving more strongly on the bouldering walls. I think she definitely recruited some fast twitch fibers overall from the program just by seeing how she moves. Her climbing style used to be slow and graceful but looks more dynamic and precise now. Not that one is better than the other but she just appears to be climbing more powerful. So she will tell you that P90X did help her climbing and I'd probably back her up by the way she appears to be climbing.

Since you're watching this happen in front of you, and I can only theorize about the effects of p90x vs. climbing specific core and strength training, I'm curious as to your take on the advantages of one over the other. Obviously p90x is a hell of a fitness and strength program... that isn't in question. I've been developing a very climbing specific core and tension program, which mimics climbing movement and position, and is mostly done while hanging, but I can't know how much more effective it is than normal core work until I see it tried both ways. Since you just came off a strength phase, where you surely recruited the same sort of fast twitch fibers Michelle has, do you think she could have seen even better results from a similar program to yours? I ask because Michelle was already strong and fit, and already understood climbing movement up to the 12+ level, which to me seems a good candidate for climbing specific training.

Not at all saying one is better than the other... just trying to compare and contrast the two.

I'd say a more climbing specific workout would probably have benefited her climbing more. I just can't see how working out your butt and legs can help you on overhanging stone. She probably can't hang onto smaller holds from the workout either. But her power and core strength are way up. Plus it's fun for her and she feels better and stronger overall.

Comparing just the core strength workout of P90 against a core strength workout done while hanging is a tough one. I did a mix of the two and would always felt sore after front levers. P90 should incorporate front levers but the truth is they're probably too hard and most people probably would give up on them since initially they would be in the half second range with the exercise. I feel like hanging core work more closely simulates having to reach your leg out far for a foothold. I'd be interested to see your hanging core workout since all I know are front levers so I can't really compare. Shoot it to me if you've got it in email. I'm always up for new training!

SCIN wrote:I'd say a more climbing specific workout would probably have benefited her climbing more. I just can't see how working out your butt and legs can help you on overhanging stone. She probably can't hang onto smaller holds from the workout either. But her power and core strength are way up. Plus it's fun for her and she feels better and stronger overall.

Comparing just the core strength workout of P90 against a core strength workout done while hanging is a tough one. I did a mix of the two and would always felt sore after front levers. P90 should incorporate front levers but the truth is they're probably too hard and most people probably would give up on them since initially they would be in the half second range with the exercise. I feel like hanging core work more closely simulates having to reach your leg out far for a foothold. I'd be interested to see your hanging core workout since all I know are front levers so I can't really compare. Shoot it to me if you've got it in email. I'm always up for new training!

I should have it completely together within a few weeks. You'll be the first person to see it.

ray-- Shoot it to me .
kris --You'll be the first person to see it.

I knew it!

SCIN wrote:I'd say a more climbing specific workout would probably have benefited her climbing more. I just can't see how working out your butt and legs can help you on overhanging stone.

This was and is an interesting point of debate. Look at someone like Yuji or Wolfgang and they have tree trunks relative to skinny legged climbers, yet are/were no slouches.

Silk wrote:

SCIN wrote:I'd say a more climbing specific workout would probably have benefited her climbing more. I just can't see how working out your butt and legs can help you on overhanging stone.

This was and is an interesting point of debate. Look at someone like Yuji or Wolfgang and they have tree trunks relative to skinny legged climbers, yet are/were no slouches.

I don't think there is any debate. There will always be exceptions to every rule. Strength to weight ratio is a proven commodity, and excess lower body weight an absolute detriment. Are you talking about this guy? His legs look fairly normal to me, in every photo I could find...



Yuji too, but he always wears those gay ass capris that cover his legs.

Another benefit for cross training with the P90X program is for injury prevention. If you are a climber that trains, pushes yourself, and climbs often then injuries are part of the game. My shoulders, elbows, and neck are my complainers and I have seen some great returns here fromP90X. I'm beginning week 11 on Monday and feel great but the negative is that I haven't been able to train for climbing as I had planned because the program is a. Exhausting and b. Time consuming. I can feel my footwork's better so the core building has worked but I won't do the full program again. Instead I will incorporate what I've learned into a more climbing-centric training schedule.

5.13 here she comes!!!

I just started P90X last Monday and I have already lost 7 lbs!! I started it to get in shape again for rock climbing and a trip that I am going to be taking late November, but it has already made me feel like a totally new person and I am sure that when the time comes, I am going to be in the best shape of my life. Never have I ever had a program give me such insane results.

the lurkist wrote:ray-- Shoot it to me .
kris --You'll be the first person to see it.

I knew it!

hahahahaha!!!!!!