Whether you just got your first gym membership or have been a climber for years. It’s important to know what to bring to the gym. Multiple variables can alter what to bring, but overall, here is a list of crucial things to bring:
Starting strong with the number one thing you shouldn’t forget: gear. We’ve all been there: you show up to the gym and realize that you’ve forgotten your climbing shoes or chalk bag. And rope climbers sometimes forget their harness or lead rope. It happens. For your gear and many other items on this list, it can be beneficial to have a separate climbing bag from your other activities, work, or school to ensure you don’t forget your equipment.
Next on this list is extra clothing. ON the note of forgetfulness, many climbers head to the gym after work or school. That attire isn’t necessarily climbable (though you are more than welcome to). Having an extra change of clothes could ensure that even if you forget gym attire, you’ll still have a spare. Just be sure to repack as you use it…that ruins the purpose of “spare” clothing.
As climbers, we often use our fingers. That said, we must care for them. Having nail clippers ensures that our fingers and toenails are not too long, which prevents us from having to use the communal clippers some gyms provide (gross). Having a skin file, for those more involved with climbing, can prevent blisters, ensuring that our callouses are even. Some athletes use nail clippers or a blade, but a skin file ensures that you don’t remove more skin than you should. Lastly, tape. Whether it’s from a pulley injury, wrist injury, or fingertips on the brink of bleeding, having a roll of tape on hand is essential, just in case.
Regarding preparations, having bands or tools specific to your warm-up could be helpful. This ensures that you can warm up properly, thereby preventing injury. This also keeps you accountable with warming up instead of immediately jumping on the walls, potentially leading to injury. You can also use finger tools to help with warming up and recovery.
Sometimes those mid-session cravings kick in. For those who climb for extended sessions, snacks are essential to fuel their energy. There is a wide range of options for powering your sessions. Fresh or dried fruit is a delicious option, providing fast energy since it contains natural sugar. Energy Gels/chews also do the same since they are easily digestible carbohydrates. Nut butter packets, trail mix, and protein bars provide sustained energy and support recovery, as they contain healthy fats and protein. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining hydration and fluid balance throughout the body. Pretzels, jerky, and nuts are all salty treats that can replenish your body. This can also be achieved by adding a dash of salt to your water. You can also drink coconut water that contains natural sugars. Over time, you’ll be able to figure out what snacks best fuel your body.
For athletes with specific goals, keeping a journal can be helpful. Having a physical space to map out your climbing journey can help you visually track your improvements throughout your training. Sometimes, as climbers, the upgrades are unnoticeable unless you visually see them. Being able to see improvements on max hangs, weighted pullups, grade difficulties, or even confidence in different climbing terrain are all ways that you can track your progress. A journal can also track your injuries and the road to recovery. If you had to take time off due to injury, seeing your improvement helps you visually understand how much work you put in. A journal can also show that progression is not linear. Sometimes we have bad days, and others we have powerful days. A journal helps show the big picture: regardless of the lows, you’re still improving.
There is no right or wrong answer on what to bring. What is essential is packing what you, as a climber, need. Climbing can be a very strenuous sport, and preparing your body for a good session starts with what you pack in your bag.
