Workout

Question
Hi Jeff,

Thanks for volunteering your time! I really appreciate it.

I have began bouldering and climbing in college and I really enjoy it. I want to
supplement this with a workout session in the gym, however I'm not sure
which muscle groups to work on as I hear working on the wrong muscle
groups can impede progress because it increases unnecessary weight on the
body.

Do you have any suggestions on which parts of the body I should work on
mainly?

Thanks!

Answer
I would not worry about muscle weight.  If you are bouldering and gym climbing than upper body strength is very important. If you begin climbing outdoors then leg strength is essential.  Most important in any climbing is stamina. Doing cardio will serve you well. I know lots of climbers who only do cardio in the gym and just climb to keep in muscle shape.

Again the type of climbing you train for is important. When I am working out for doing a Big Wall climb which is mostly aid, it's different than doing crimpy edge climbing on steep slabs.

Jeff