Training for Ice 1: Tabata Intervals

If you can't hang on then will fall off. So developing effective, specific hang strength for ice tools is absolutely critical to make ice climbing safer. If I could only do one exercise for ice and mixed climbing it would be this one, it is the fundamental required strength. Tabata hangs are are simple, effective, specific and fast way to get much, much stronger at hanging onto your ice tools. You can make these as hard or easy as you need to (see video) by putting your feet on the floor to hanging one-armed. How: 20 seconds hanging on the tools, 10 seconds rest, repeat eight times then rest a few minutes, do one to four sets Hang off the tools so you can complete the first set or almost complete it, the next sets will get harder fast. Add some pullups for fun, but the main goal is to strengthen your ability to hang on. If you do these regularly as well as rock climb you'll eventually get to "Gecko mode," where you can literally hang on even with no feet for minutes straight. It's a goal! Please hit me with any questions!