Congratulations Houdini, you've plateau'ed
Grade 24 is a respectable grade at which to have done this.
- To start with, take a break. Anything from 2 weeks to a month - find something else interesting to do in order to avoid frustration at not being able to climb.
- Something like Pilates / Yoga is good for strength and flexibility - which takes me to breathing (Pilates) - do you hold your breath whilst cranking?
- Work on your technique - Climb lower grades, try not to pull yourself up (i.e. use your arms sparingly), instead use them for balance and use your feet to push your body upwards (i.e. forget about your arms and concentrate on your feet).
- Overhangs (which could be where you are starting to fail?) footwork/body position is very important (see also drop knees, twisting).
- Watch other (good) climbers send routes that you also climb - note the differences in technique.
- As above watch how the girls climb (they have more natural technique than us guys and rely on it more).
- Get onto real rock.
- Climb with people who are stronger than you.
**Avoid injury (build a pyramid of grades), continue to warm up, listen to your body, don't get cocky and blow a tendon because the 13 year old can do the move that you can't
- If you are 'gym'ing' (i.e. cranking weights) then you want to avoid building 'mass' - lean, light and wiry is the objective.
- Start bouldering more - it builds power and you can work more endurance because you're not tying a rope or spending time belaying.
- Opinions on training will vary - I've kept it relatively straight forward / simple here. Others like Brian Weaver have serious regimes which they follow.
Good luck, be interested to hear any feedback on the above and also to know how things turn out in a few months time:?:
