Maximum Climbing (How To Climb Series)

Maximum Climbing is a great resource to help one improve their climbing through mental and physical training. It's a meaty book, packed full of information, ideas and training tips. Unlike many other training books out there, it requires the reader to consider and analyze one's approach and how one relates to climbing. The quality of the information lends this book to being one that many readers will be able refer back to over the years as they climb at harder and harder grades.The overarching premise of Maximum Climbing is that climbing is more mental than physical. We can improve our climbing greatly by being masters of our brains and how they interact with our bodies. Whether a novice or someone who has been climbing for so many years it's in the double digits; this book has information and tips for everyone. Maximum Climbing focuses on improving one's climbing ability through mental and physical training. Even though this book focuses on training for sport climbing, trad climbing, bouldering, mountaineering and ice climbing, many of the ideas and insight Horst presents can be applied to other sports.Horst begins the book by explaining what is a "Maximum Climbing" program. "Maximum climbing," Horst states, "is born from the will and skill of the brain, and the spite of our physical limitations." He then continues on with a study of brain physiology and the process of neuroplasticity. He covers the process by which the brain assimilates, learns and directs skilled movements. For those who are deterred by too much nitty-gritty science details, do not fear, the author presents this information in an informative, engaging manner, but does not dwell too long on it either. Horst proceeds to explain how the brain governs the recruitment of the muscles and thus restricts the climber's maximum level of strength and stamina as a protective mechanism. And then, what we all want to know, how to get around this restriction. The book puts forth that this overprotective "central governor" can be recallibrated upward the maximum threshold through specialized training techniques to enhance strength, power, muscular endurance and stamina.After Horst covers brain physiology and functions of the mind and how to train the brain, he then moves into mental training. The whole time though continuing to discuss the relationship between the mind and the body, connecting feeling with doing, and thought with feeling and doing. He discusses the cognitive realm of thoughts, fears, concentration, habits, strategy, and how to improve self-awareness. The author then covers how to make tiny course corrections quickly that will maximize one's chances of completing a difficult climb.At this point, you may be asking, "How do I control my physical and mental state, since that will dramatically help me improve my climbing?" Horst dives right into that question, explaining how one controls both their mental and physical states. Not only giving concrete steps on how one does this, but also giving physiological and psychological explanations that are easy to understand and follow. He gives self-regulation strategies for optimizing ones' mental, physical and emotional states.He then covers organizing and focusing one's energy, goal setting, and mental skills needed to maintain concentration and manage fear in the face of technical difficulty, physical stress and unexpected adversity. Horst not only discusses the skills, but also explains how to implement and master them. He asks the reader to be an active participant, not just to passively see what he presents and then forget it the next time one steps up to a crag or a mountain. He challenges and engages the reader to analyze and apply what he discusses. Improving concentration, having good focus and managing fear is something that all climbers, to some degree, have to deal with and could benefit from many of his insights.Horst rounds off the mental training section with a discussion of how to program ones' mind and helpful behavior modification techniques for improving conscious and unconscious brain function. He then lays out a training program for maximum climbing, no matter what skill level you are at - beginner, intermediate or elite levels of experience and commitment to climbing.The fundamental idea at the heart of Maximum Climbing is in fact rather simple. People climb with their minds. Climbing is more mental than physical. So then comes the question, with that knowledge how does one become a better climbing? Horst tackles this head on in Maximum Climbing and the result is a rich book filled with information and enough concrete examples that the reader can both understand the idea being conveyed and easily apply it to their climbing and training. One note on reading this book, it's dense. The reader may find it easier to digest, take in and apply to one's climbing and training by reading it in smaller sections rather than trying to finish it quickly. Maximum Climbing is well worth the purchase and the time taken to read it.

Chock-a-block with handy tips and tricks to improve your mental game. Techniques just as applicable in everyday life than on the wall

I've been waiting for this kind of information to show up in the context which interests me most.I've always felt the mental/emotional context is most important and most malleable. This book appears to represent a huge amount of research from a vast amount of resources offering an unlimited pool of knowledge and tools to take yourself wherever you want to go in all facets of your life - if you have the discipline and deep desire. My athletic endeavors always felt like prep and practice for the rest of life as well as the sport - Mental Training is mental training. You give it direction - and here is a guide to help.

If you only ever read one climbing book - this is the one.

I'm always trying to self educate and improve at the activities I pursue. Being older now, thoughtful and productive training is key for my road to improvement in the climbing I do. this book is fascinating and for me has been quite useful leading to real improvement in my climbing, both the mechanics and psychological challenges that I face. It has great crossover to life in general. an interesting and insightful read. Eric's books are great in my view. I highly recommend this book. It's a great resource to be used over and over again.

I enjoyed this book all the way through and I will keep this one in my personal library.I went on to read Todd Skinner's book and I feel these are classic.

Best book about mental game on rocks!

A must read if you are interested in advancing your climbing.

Had this book before so bought it for friend highly recomended. I would recomend this for everyone. Might buy again for a present

Excellent book.

Interesting reading, with ideas applicable not only to climbing, but to any goal you might have on your mind. Great addition to climbing specific reading in Training for Climbing.

Mi è piaciuto tutto. Scritto chiaramente e funzionale, Horst e i suoi libri danno davvero degli ottimi strumenti per automigliorarsi partendo dalla basi. Consigliatissimo davvero

good book to up your game in climbing. you will find some training exercises inside.