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General Climbing Discussion

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bouldering for short-arses 25-Jul-2009 At 2:37:38 PM Rat Man

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Here's my understanding of the subject....

The way you train will effect the way your body looks, but to a less extent than what your genetics dictate.
Training hard, dynamic, at-your-limit bouldering will build up your fast-twitch fibres (the ones responsible for power)
Training at a low intensity/high duration will build up your slow-twitch fibres. (endurance)

The fast-twitch fibres are bigger than slow twitch, so you can bulk up a bit, but......
You can't change the ratio of fast/slow twitch, this is detemined by genetics - that's why successful sprinters are GENERALLY black as they have a bias towards fast twitch. (however, not loads of rock-star black boulderers as there are lots of elements to being a successful climber- but it would be a handy start.)

Other factors will influence how you look as well, such as a low percentage body fat will make you look ripped even though your muscle mass hasn't changed. You'll have to commit to a pretty serious training/diet schedule (in the climbing gym at least 3 times a week) to make a significant impact on your body shape.

Just find a training system that you enjoy doing (so you keep doing it) and remember that the best result is that you can climb better outdoors.
Christian