Fat: Friend and Food
Fats, much like carbohydrates, have been demonized and adored over the years. From keto and paleo to the low-fat craze of the 90s, fat has been both poison and panacea. The truth is: healthy fats are needed for normal brain function, hormone control and muscular repair (not to mention it makes for good insulation) [1]. In the sport performance realm, fats also serves as fuel for low-to-moderate intensity exercise. In this article, we will cover the importance of dietary fats in general and as it applies to the mountain athlete.
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In Defense of Carbs
In this article, I will be talking about a controversial topic: food, specifically carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have been in and out of style more than neon tights. This is due, in part, to confusing research and dubious advertising tactics. I’m here to tell you that carbohydrates don’t deserve the negative PR! In fact, they may even make your climbing more consistent during a day at the crag. With a little background knowledge and self-experimentation, you too can optimize carbohydrate intake for better climbing performance.
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An Introduction to Energy Systems
Bioenergetics is the study of energy systems in the human body. Rock climbing is a unique sport in this sense, as it does not rely solely on one energy system for sport performance. Unlike other sports such as marathon running or power lifting, a day of rock climbing will stress each system to a varying degree depending on the sub-discipline we participate in.
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5 Biomechanical Tips to Improve Your Climbing Technique
At every level, rock climbing requires strength and the application of that strength through efficient technique. Efficiency, however, is determined by proper biomechanics. This means using interdependent muscle systems to apply force at the right time and in the right direction using as little energy as possible.
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