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HMC climbing team group photo

Nervous Newbie to Captain: How Summit Improved My Life

I still remember walking into Summit for the first time. It was the fall of 2022, the start of my sophomore year at UW-Madison. Over the summer, I met friends who were big into climbing and convinced me to give it a try. Through them, I found the Hoofers Mountaineering Club and, curious to see…

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Eamon climbing a boulder outside at devils lake state park

How to Optimize your Climbing with Other Workouts

As climbers were often trying to optimize. Am I climbing enough? Do I hang board too much or maybe too little? If I just get my foot perfect here on this feature and then hit the side pull with my right index finger on this crystal and… You get the picture. One optimization that's often…

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Dynamic bouldering on the steep climbing wall at summit strength and fitness

Climbing is a Fitness Tool as powerful as any

There is much to be said about climbing as a pursuit and hobby. There is much joy to be found in the progression and learning to be found within it, as well as the community and great places it leads people. However, did you ever think that climbing is a fitness tool? Let’s…

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Rock climbers are outdoor athletes that are part of a vibrant community

Mountain Sports and the Powerful Community Within Them

 There’s something uniquely powerful about the outdoors—a certain rawness that strips us down to our most authentic selves. Whether it’s a steep climb, fast descent, or fireside moment, mountain sports unite us through a deep sense of community. Mountain sports have a way of bringing people together For many, the attraction of mountain sports starts…

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Eamon topping out a boulder problem

Send or not Send; Quality Plans to the Rescue

Is it your strength? Your power? Your mindset? The answer is more complex than any single factor. While physical strength is important, sending a climb is influenced by a blend of elements—technique, projecting strategies, consistent training, mental focus, and even the things that happen outside of the gym or crag. Your sleep, your nutrition, your…

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man climbing across Traverse wall in the gym

How to Train Aerobic Capacity for Climbing

ARC (Aerobic Restoration and Capillarity) training is a fundamental endurance-building method in rock climbing. It focuses on improving the forearm muscles' ability to sustain effort over long periods by increasing capillary density, enhancing oxygen delivery, and improving recovery. If you’re looking to climb longer without getting pumped, ARC training is a must as it…

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