Are you Pumped?!

You might think we are asking you if you're pumped to climb - we know the answer to that already...of course you are! Duh!

But in the climbing context, being pumped means something slightly different: When you can't hold on any longer, you're pumped (aka. your grip strength is gone, kaput!) 

This happens when lactic acid builds up in your forearms while climbing and this begins to restrict the movements you can achieve. Ever feel like your mind is trying to tell your fingers to grip more and they just aren't listening to you? Yep, we've all been there! 

To prevent this from limiting your climb, you can work on improving your efficiency and not forcing a climb, which may cause injuries. 

Pisey crimping hard! ​

Our suggestions: 

Remember that you can always take breaks on the wall! When you are in a comfortable position (say a good hand hold or balanced body position), let go of one arm and as Tay Swift says, "shake if off!" Then, switch arms and do the same with the other. This is a great way to relief some pressure while you're still on the wall. ​​

Federico taking a break and chalking up on a top rope route.

When you're off the wall, stretching your forearms and/or giving them a quick massage can also be helpful. 

Again we say: efficiency is key. This means being intentional in saving up your energy and grip strength so you're not pumped too fast. Something mental that can help with this is route-reading - read the route before you get on the wall to try it. Every moment on the wall counts, which means that the more time spent climbing, the faster you'll get to being pumped! Route-reading allows you to think through the moves beforehand, so you're not spending more of your energy attempting the route. 

And lastly, building up your grip strength can go a long way to help you climb longer. This, of course, means hangboard training! 

These are just our quick tips, but there are plenty of online resources to help you work through being pumped! Here are a couple: 

• Tech Tip's Slowing the pump clock
• Hangboarding for endurance: Not just for power
• Top 10 warm-ups and stretches to do before climbing to avoid injury

At Phnom Climb, our coaches can help you with all these tips in-person! If you're looking to improve your climbing, join our classes!

​We'll walk you through how to read routes, give you a hangboard regiment to keep your fingers strong and happy, and also give you tips on how to generally climb more efficiently. 

Climb on! 

Strong, but tired forearms!