Question 1

What sort of equipment do I need to execute a training plan?

Accepted Answer

Couple options that work:

REQUIRED:
1) Nearby access to a climbing gym with bouldering walls, spray walls, and/or systems boards (Moonboard, Kilter Board, Tension Board, Grasshopper Board, etc.)
OR
2) Access to a fingerboard/hangboard + basic free weights + a pull-up bar

If you don't have either of these but you have something close, contact Aspect to chat.

OPTIONAL BUT HELPFUL FOR SOME CLIMBERS:
- Access to roped climbing walls
- Physical training journal
- Portable mini-tripod (for recording climbing videos on your phone)
- Resistance bands (available on Amazon, etc.)
- Skin care kit (emory board and lotion e.g. Rhino Skin Care, climbing balm, etc.)
- Pinch block e.g. Tension Block
- Campus board

Question 2

What can I expect after purchasing a training plan?

Accepted Answer

Aspect will guide you through a simple process to get started together:

1) You'll receive an email with onboarding instructions including a form to describe all your details as a climber
2) You'll receive an invite to TrueCoach to set up a personal account where your workouts will be presented and tracked
3) We'll schedule an intro video call together to discuss your climbing status, goals, and potential themes/points of emphasis
4) If your plan includes an assessment, we'll use 1-2 gym sessions to capture metrics on your existing abilities. 
5) Your training plan will be set up to run on a weekly schedule starting on a Monday.
6) You'll log your workout results with videos, comments, and/or questions
7) We'll communicate via TrueCoach messaging to set up your training plan timing, assessments, and additional coaching calls (if applicable)

Question 3

Are training plans just for advanced/elite climbers?

Accepted Answer

Definitely not.  Aspect training plans all start with understanding you and where you are in your climbing journey.  Consider:

- Training simply means "exercising with a specific intent".  It doesn't necessarily mean campusing, hangboarding & big deadlifts.
- Plans are appropriate for climbers who've climbed at least 6 months, so that there is a foundation of skills upon which to build.
- If you climb at least 5.10- or v2, you can benefit from a training plan.

Question 4

Does a training plan just mean physical exercises, or can I work on my mental game and tactics?

Accepted Answer

Mental game and tactics are actually the primary component of long-term success, and are addressed regularly through all training plans.  The physical components of your training plan are in reality just complementary to continual improvement in approach, movement patterns, and attitude.

Question 5

I struggle with fear in climbing.  Is a training plan still right for me?

Accepted Answer

Definitely.

While the physical aspects of training can support a healthy, injury-resistant body and increase confidence in your abilities, Aspect believes that the mental/tactical pieces are paramount.

Whether you're terrified of falling or a zen master of fear management, we'll discuss your dispositions and figure out the right progression to address your fears.

Question 6

I'm a gym climber who doesn't climb outside.  Are training plans right for me?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely.  Modern climbing gyms provide great tools for realizing training benefits in consolidated time periods.

If you wish to stay inside for good, Aspect supports your passion for plastic!

If you're thinking about dipping your toes in outdoor climbing, Aspect can help you with that transition in a considerate, gym-to-crag best practice manner.  We can also refer you to certified climbing guides who specialize in skills that are unique to the outdoor arena.

Question 7

I'm an outdoor climber who doesn't climb indoors.  Are training plans right for me?

Accepted Answer

Although training plans are primary designed for those with regular access to a climbing gym, Aspect can defintiely work with you to customize your training efforts to the outdoors only.

Some basic supplemental equipment will be helpful for you to own - contact Aspect for details.

Question 8

Can I sign up for a training plan if I've already executed a training plan through Aspect or another coach?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Aspect loves working with long-term clients to build long-term, repeatable success.

Just sign up for a new plan and we'll check to see if an assessment is needed before you get started again.

Question 9

I do other physical activities beyond climbing - can I still execute a training plan?

Accepted Answer

You sure can.  Aspect sees climbers also passionate about yoga, running, hiking, cycling, skiing/snowboarding, martial arts, dancing, juggling, galavanting, you name it.

Your other passions can definitely be accommodated - Aspect can work with you to understand where climbing fits in your priority matrix and adjust from there.

Question 10

Do I have to execute every workout in a training plan to be successful?

Accepted Answer

Nope, we're not robots and you aren't either!  Aspect can give you an "ideal" training structure based on a full review of your lifestyle.

From there, it's up to you how rigorously you want to follow the plan.  Some consistent investment in the plan is important for progress,  but 100% plan compliance is not the goal.

Question 11

I love climbing with my primary partner and/or friends - can I still execute a training plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes indeed.  Aspect understands and endorses the social aspects of climbing and can work with you to figure out a sustainable way to train while still maintaining climbing as an avenue for friendships/relationship building/etc.

Question 12

I have an existing or past injury - can I start a training plan?

Accepted Answer

It depends - contact Aspect to discuss.

If the injury is minor or temporary: modified or unmodified training may still be appropriate.
There is a lot of current exercise science to suggest that certain injuries actually need training stimuli to truly heal.

While Aspect is not a medical/physical therapy practice,  we are happy to refer you to one if/when helpful.