Kris Peters: Athletic Trainer, in Boulder, Colorado: 2013: Setting A New Standard

As the sport of climbing continues to evolve, so do the ways in which we understand and apply training. For so many climbers out there, personal progression, both physical and mental, acts as the primary source of motivation to log as many plastic hours as possible. Climbing is unique in that it is a sport just as much as it is not, and that allows for a lot of experimental training. Anyone who owns a pair of climbing shoes and has some knowledge of the body has the ability to train themselves as hard or as causally as they wish. However, because climbing is still so new (relatively), there have not been as many clinical studies on how exactly we should train our bodies specifically for climbing. Like all physical activities, climbing demands a very idiosyncratic set of muscles and strengths, and everyone has their own interpretation on how the body should be pushed. Some people like to focus primarily on power by doing copious amounts of one-arm pull-ups and front levers, others like to hone in on finger strength via weight vests and campus boards. It all depends on what you're hoping to gain.

My goal is to set a new standard by offering a different perspective and insight into the world of training in within climbing. The new hybrid training program, Team of 2, founded by myself and Justen Sjong, is a testament to that mission to better our "sport".

Boulder, CO has become the epicenter for climbing in the U.S., and along with that, comes a slew of talented and motivated climbers, all looking to better themselves. The training camps and programs implemented by Team of 2 have helped spread this new approach to training, and we've already begun to see results. With over 100 clients per week and an expanding online program, the excitement surrounding training in general has already grown.

As it is for anyone eager to tackle the new year, I too have made my resolutions, and I look forward to sharing them with anyone interested.