I've just recently been told that my climbing season might be over. My instructions were to keep my arm in a sling 23 hours a day for a month- meaning I would miss Regionals (and consequently Divisionals and Nationals. If the second doctor says the same thing, then I will be obligated to do waht I was told. My situation got me thinking about what I could do to keep myself in good climbing shape- without actually climbing.
1. Workout
All kinds of workouts, including core, legs, arm, and shoulder help you stay in shape and ready for the climbing season.
2. Do Some Yoga
Whether you use it to relax, build muscle, stretch, or help with your balance, yoga is a very effective way to keep your body healthy.
3. Finger Strengthen
Many companies that sell climbing shoes or equipment also sell some sort of tool to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your fingers. Depending on the reason that you are stuck on the sidelines, you can also do hangboard-oriented workouts.
4. Run
If all else fails, a simple run always works as a good workout. Changing the purpose of the run is simple and takes little-to-no time. Whether it's a longer, steady paced workout, composed of several short sprints or uphill training, you don't need any equipment (except shoes).
5. Coach
Obviously, this one only works if you are on some sort of team. If you can't climb, offer your coaches an extra set of hands and another pair of eyes to help them coach for a few practices. This may not be building muscle like many of the others, but it builds relationships with your teammates and might help you learn more about people's style and beta
7. Learn About The Mental Side of Climbing
There are plenty of books and articles on facing fears, reading beta, creating training programs, and other things that are holding you back as a climber. Some of my favorites are 9 Out Of 10 Climbers Make the Same Mistakes and One Move Too Many... by Dave Macleod and Free Climbing by Lynn Hill.
8. Other Sports
Take a break from constantly climbing and try out a few other sports. You'll be able to stay fit without the actual act of climbing.
9. Meditate
Meditating can actually help clear your mind. It allows you to focus on what's important and "cleanse" your mind from whatever is distracting or bothering you.
