I Trained Like A Pro Climber For 6 Months

Follow my 6-month journey of training like a pro climber to try and climb a V10 boulder for the first time.
10% OFF Low Gravity Chalk: bit.ly/LowGravityChalk-10-OFF
Coupon Code: ANDREWMAC
15% OFF ON MASSAGE GUN: bit.ly/massagerdeal
CODE: "ANDREWMAC"
Follow us on Instagram:
Low Gravity ► / lowgravityclimbing
Andrew ► / _andrewmac_
Louis coaching: bit.ly/catalystclimbing
Lattice Training: bit.ly/LatticeTraining
Vauxwall Climbing Centre: bit.ly/vauxwallclimbing
SUPPLEMENTS:
Protein Powder on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2URBrKd
Protein Powder on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2Dd8caF
Creatine on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2IjhFBd
Creatine on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2VCoVeF
Beta Alanine on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2UzHbZz
Beta Alanine on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2KwtIgA
Collagen on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2P6MSIw
Collagen on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2Kzbafy
BLENDER (US): amzn.to/31piGhw
BLENDER (UK): amzn.to/2WB7pY0
TRAINING GEAR:
Resistance Band on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2ZcYpLh
Resistance Band on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2VGF9nd
Yoga Mat on Amazon (US): amzn.to/2U4EkGY
Yoga Mat on Amazon (UK): amzn.to/2UMzBHj
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and does not add any cost to your item, you’ll pay the same whether I receive a commission, or not.
#climbing #bouldering #training

[@hanswoast7]

So taking off your shirt really improves your climbing. Magnus was right! Congrats!

[@GameTimeWhy]

And dump trucks full of chalk.

[@climbermacleod]

Wow great progress man. Well done. I'm sure a bunch of North Wales weekends will sort you out. Jeezo 10% BF that is proper low!

[@jacobrowland6780]

My man looks like he’s a professional bubble gum chewer

[@NathanBetts]

😂

[@DIYToPen]

Helps with chin crimps

[@joetipton8681]

🤣

[@jacquelinepritchard3919]

Not very nice hopefully the guy knows how to take a joke

[@theremedy2abh]

Didn't understand what you meant until he started talking.

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

A couple people asked for my breakfast smoothie recipe, so here it is: 1 spoon of peanut butter 1 banana 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder 1 scoop of creatine 1 scoop of beta-alanine Mix with almond milk or water Optional Add: 1 dash of cinnamon 1 shot of espresso/coffee ¼ cup of oats 1 scoop of collagen (if doing finger workout) Ready in less than 5min and can take on the road. Enjoy!

[@nickramsay2560]

Andrew MacFarlane my old powerlifting shake was similar. 1 Banana (frozen) 2 scoops protein 1 big spoon of Peanut Butter 1/4 cup of oats 1 scoop of BCAA Fill with almond milk. It’s making me miss the days of just being bulky, but being a 330lb climber is kind of a bummer.

[@mihaitzabaws3619]

thanks for the recipe, but how big is 'scoop' in grams / ounces? And are these the only supplements that you take throughout the day?

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

@@mihaitzabaws3619 scoop is the recommended amount that comes with the supplements (servings can vary between brands). I also have a multivitamin and have taken glycine and taurine in the past. Supplementation differs between diets because you might get some of these from the things you eat. I did a full deep-dive into this topic with an expert in a video called Nutrition and Supplementation if you want to check that out 👍🏻

[@mihaitzabaws3619]

@@AndrewMacFarlane got it, thanks for replying so fast :)

[@pootklopp]

Did you notice any benefit from the collagen?

[@simonjohnston3100]

Thank you for sharing your failure as well as your success. We'll all be so stoked for you when you do send that V10!

[@derekxiaoEvanescentBliss]

That's on me for checking comments before watching and getting a spoiler haha

[@simonjohnston3100]

@@derekxiaoEvanescentBliss sorry dude :/

[@NathanBetts]

I totally agree, so good to see the process with all the ups and downs

[@MKkniGEAR]

Hey, nice journey, hope you get your V10 soon. Stay strong !

[@spielkiste_podcast]

Thanks for sharing! This series is what inspires me to step up my training game and doing a VLOG about it myself. It's very cool to see a non-professional climber working hard for the goals.

[@Goofygreyhoundgoober]

Awesome stuff!! That was a great video. Cool to see you getting so much stronger and better! I’m going climbing tomorrow, to try my first v8. Did my first v7 a few weeks ago and it felt pretty easy so here is hoping the extension goes well!!

[@STKL-bk8wq]

best thing I've read lately: you can't always be motivated, that's when you have to be disiplined. I might add: if you manage to stick to this and see results, motivation will be much easier.

[@dysfunctional83]

Really excited for you to nail the objective, for no other reason than it's wonderful to see you so excited mate.

[@markcannizzaro1]

quickest 14 mins of my life. congrats on the v9 and i can't wait to see you send that 10!

[@Stunnedape]

First time I stumble upon your channel, really like your style and the positive vibes you send across. Keep it up! 💪

[@victorduarte6337]

Hey man, I just wanna say that this video was great both in terms of the content and the quality of the production. Great job!

[@BeorOng]

congratulations dude - fantastic and inspiring journey, stoked for you!

[@hexfletch]

Fantastic video andrew!! I always watch your videos right before I head to the gym! It always keeps me motivated to strive higher !!

[@charlielivingstone5259]

Wow! This is really an incredible video! Good job Andrew!!

[@jacinthagedeon2275]

Loving the special guest too! super cool!

[@Theninjaonthemountains]

Great job man!!! I am still stuck in a plateau, need too step up my training!!!

[@cornball1111]

Great work, friend! Glad to hear youre spending some time on low intensity work after an all out training cycle.

[@PaulSagar1986]

Nice video, really inspirational - and lots of nice shots of various London climbing gyms with which I'm familiar!

[@Muaahaa]

Very inspiring. I'm looking to accelerate my climbing abilities beyond my current v5/6 limit. Would love to see videos dedicated to each of your training days to get some ideas, as I am looking to add structure to my sessions :)

[@TheAlexm710]

Watched your 1 month to V7 video and now this. You've earned my sub :)

[@finbarshields]

The quality of your videos is really going up man!

[@ChrisHaileyTrainHardDiveEasy]

Great story Andrew, rest up them tweaks and come back stronger. Keep up the vids man 💪

[@markusosanen4525]

I can't stop smiling when i look at your enthusiasm for every thing! :) Hard to imagine you being angry :D That was interesting 6 months, i hope you get that V10 soon!

[@ramonsantiago4573]

awesome video, i'm trying to do something similar. i would be interested in a video that goes into more detail about your individual training days. Happy climbing!

[@willlloyd9480]

This is comprehensively really useful, thank you for creating

[@ilikebananasFPV]

congratz andrew! you look so much fitter and better and the wall compared to 6 months ago. i think you have to make some in depth videos of your training routines!

[@SethPierceClimbing]

This is so inspiring, made me put my own plans together! Thanks!

[@flip_lange]

dude! get that V10! Inspiring stuff. Thanks for sharing :)

[@gubatron]

thanks for sharing this journey, a lot of take aways for us stuck at V5-V6s

[@austinarmstronghotsauce]

Props, dude! I've been climbing for about 7 months now and this is really inspiring!

[@ajn2747]

good job. hope recovery goes well

[@HansPeter-xk3cm]

Could you please show your rehab exercises? I’m suffering from the same problems: shoulder & knee. Great to see how much progress you made by working hard. Thumbs up!

[@gordonbrown5633]

Great content as usual! Could you help breakdown what the various types of training days entail by specific warm-ups/workouts and how much time to each?

[@Cynegan]

Been following your channel for a few years now, and my two favourites to watch are yourself and Nikken. Not been enough of him for some periods, but now that you're back in action, I'll look forward to every episode and hit them the second they pop! Best of luck, man. I'm also working through one hell of an injury (try climbing with your nerves sending out false/mistimed signals to your feet!), so it's all inspirational :)

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Love it 💪🏻 Heal up and come back stronger. I'm also a fan of Nikken :)

[@elganjones01]

Welcome to Snowdonia! surprised to find anyone based down south climbing here and we have a lot to offer here particularly outdoors.

[@Polygonepictures]

you are such an inspiration andrew, thanks a lot, really. I'm a talll guy, 6"3, and every time I climb a 7 boulder or route, I tell myself it's just because I'm tall and I don't give a shit. Today, I was told by someone that I always say that but that I've come pretty far and that I'm pretty strong for such a massive guy. This, combined with this video now thaught me something. It is all about the big picture, and I am getting better, and I should accepting instead of making excuses which steal my motivation.

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Wise words!

[@gustopher6500]

Jan Hojer is 6"2

[@qweasd9153]

@Leonardo gonçalves because climbers want to stay at low bodyfat, so the face lose its roundness.

[@firegodlive]

@@gustopher6500 Yeah, guy must be from a country with short average height. 6'3 is tall but no one would ever say massive.

[@tomtom4405]

Nice to see background like Llanberis pass, MECW, VauxEast, Building One, etc I'm torn between feeling at home watching it and feeling sick I'm indoors "working". I want to be in those places myself -- NOW!!!

[@markwillis1045]

You turned up to Wales and it was wet? Unexpected indeed, Wales isn't known for much rain... Great series, really helping me step up my own climbing!

[@Everyday_Aquarist]

Hey buddy. I would firstly like to congratulate you on your amazing progress and success. I read an article about you on Menshealth, really impressive stuff, what amazing dedication and willpower you have. I was myself a climber too, but I gave up the passion around 3 years ago due to developing Chronic Compartment Syndrome. I was studying at University to persue my dream of becoming a guide at the time, due to my injury that dream was halted to a quick stop. Watching you has given me the motivation to chuck my shoes back on and take up bouldering. Multi-pitch climbs are out of the question due to the nature of my condition, but I know the quick, dynamic movements of bouldering shouldn't flare the symptoms as bad. Thanks again buddy and take care!

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Thanks man. Love that you're getting back into the sport- all the best with your journey!

[@T0BBi94]

Very inspiring! I actually have a new years resolution of training harder. I have trained for 4 years 3 times a week and have been finishing of in the gym after climbing for 2.5 years and been taking protein shake the last 6 months. But this year I have started to give it my 110% every session and also do extra core training 2 times a week during rest days

[@chasem801]

what are you able to climb? like normally? im a new climber and im just trying to figure out how i can get to climbing v10's when im stuck on v5's haha i can pull of a few v4's but not often

[@T0BBi94]

@@chasem801 My gym is pretty harsh on grading but V6-V7 (6C to 7a+). I have been on this plateau for quite some time. Hopefully my new training routine will fix this. My advice would be to just keep climbing hard if you are a beginner. If you havent worked out regularly before (upper body) you should take it easy with the gym. I got tendonitis in my arms that didnt fully go away for 1.5 years. If you feel ready start slow. Your tendons are probably still not used to being under that much stress a couple of times a week. Good luck!

[@chasem801]

@@T0BBi94 ok thank you for the advice about the tendonitis! i will definitely watch out for that. i went climbing today and was able to go a LOT longer without the forearms hurting so thats good ig. but i have some advice haha.. if you've been climbing that long and you still do v6-v7 then maybe (if you dont already) get into hang boarding. ive seen SOO many videos of people doing that for just a month and being able to climb an entire level higher like its nothing so fs if you havent.. look into that

[@NathanBetts]

Same, I've put the time in but it's time to really focus during my training!

[@unleashtheginger0]

Great stuff man!

[@nickywoodward]

This episode was great man. I’m at the same stage in climbing like you just trying to get my first V10. I do not have time on my side though since I’m turning 40 in 2 months but I won’t give up 💪🏻

[@haidarfakih2987]

Did you get your first v10?

[@nickywoodward]

I did not yet. I’ve had some sets back since. But I’m getting closer again ❤

[@Jake-vt7mr]

It's awesome that you're climbing in Llandudno, it's the place where i grew up and i think its amazing that you took the time to climb there!!

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Gorgeous place 👌🏻 Can't wait to get back when the weather clears!

[@grennangoeshiking]

Thanks for sharing. I like to see the struggle to get to the goal. Even if the goal is a tad out of reach still.

[@georgepilkington9350]

Yeh go lowgravity! Absolute legends

[@diananowacka9882]

wow this is so motivating!! amazing!

[@yesreneau]

Ahhhh I’m so inspired 😭

[@januariasomarriba669]

omg, your friends are the best hype team!!

[@illparkmusic]

Great video as always ✌️

[@TunyacsapHofi]

inspiring, congrats!

[@Milleralbertothai]

Great man! You ispire me to train better and have more fun!

[@patatox2688]

Andrew was my badminton coach!!!

[@ddemyanek]

This is fantastic. Thank you for sharing. Other than your big climbing trips, did you do any outdoor climbing during those 6 months? I boulder outdoors every weekend and I think that because of that, 4 days of training would be overkill. I do two 3 hour gym sessions each week (Tuesday and Thursday) and that has been working well.

[@samuelecantarutti383]

South wales uk here, we have some awesome bouldering spots, i have a secret area in the woods by me that only a few of us know about some routes are v7-v11.. I havent done the v10+ yet but trying hard this year

[@stevencooney9236]

That V9 send at 9 minutes was awesome.

[@rotem121]

Hi. Great video! Can you explain more about your mindset and focus training?

[@fatguysbouldering4790]

Nice and motivating video! Did you manage to climb v10 in the meantime? It would be cool to see more videos of you and your progression!

[@michaelharris8913]

Amazing video and props to your dedication Andrew, you've made some incredible progress. By the way, where in Portugal are you climbing? My family have moved out to Sintra near Lisbon which I've read is great for bouldering :)

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

I was in Sintra bouldering in Meca (Albarrasintra sector) and also some sport climbing on the coast. Beautiful place to climb!

[@jenn-ningyong3285]

Imma start saying take my fist from now on. Great soundtrack to the entire video to keep the stoke high.

[@sethgilbertson2474]

Dude, that is so impressive. Seriously. I’ve been trying to climb hard for close to 20 years and, at 42 years old, think I might finally have a training plan that will pan out. A couple of questions: - How long were your average sessions? What did you try to accomplish during each? How many hours were you logging over the course of a week? - How did you measure your volume? I’ve been counting my total number of moves and that has been working well but I’m always looking for a better way. - What was your starting weight when you were climbing V5 and what is it now? - How did you measure finger strength? How has that increased over the past 6 months? Anyway, really impressive man. I look forward to seeing your growth continue! GOOD LUCK! DONT GET INJURED!

[@SilverbackE12B]

Seth Gilbertson you need to check out mountain tactical institute brother

[@JieFong]

Amazing progress Andrew!!! Could you share your training program? What exercises did you do each day?

[@simonjohnston3100]

Instaclick - I've been waiting for this!!!!

[@simonjohnston3100]

Huh, and "first", apparently....

[@MrNicolas411]

going from v7 to V10 is a huge jump...congratz with supernova ;) any plans to go to fontainebleau in the future?

[@Chris-lw9ft]

Very nice and motivating to see your progress and enthusiasm :) But it would be so helpful, if you could give us some specific tips to improve our climbing. Anyway, keep up that good work man :)

[@ArtisolGG]

I love this!

[@aladeenmadafaka6286]

this 7C in m.wood was my first and the last of week trip in magic :)) thanks for motivation. my goal is 8b on rope this year!

[@Hyrtsi]

Congrats ! I can't stress enough the importance of sleep and rest. You have to do that a lot and take day(s) off after a hard day.

[@TinyGiraffes]

Dude your jawline could cut the jawline that cuts glass

[@cristianfranklin9220]

Hey! Very nice video! Just wondering if you could elaborate and the specific exercises you’re doing. Like what goes into your power and strength days? And the rest of the days? Thanks in advance

[@KevinK_Music]

Very nice video and so inspiring! @Andrew MacFarlane I'd be interested in some other "Volume + Technique" exercises, apart from the "Illumination" exercise? :) Keep sending!

[@javrri7212]

A very well made video!

[@victorchang2016]

Hey Andrew, thank you for the extremely inspiring content. I'm in the same boat as previous you, starting to get serious about leveling up from V7 to truly difficult outdoor grades. I'm realizing that a system that breaks down into individual components is a much more efficient way towards progress. Before this video, I was thinking it would take me 3 years to get to V9. It's incredible you did it in just 6 months lol. Anyway!! Was hoping you could *share some insights into the Mindset + Focus aspect of your training.* I think it's a heavily underutilized aspect of training and sports in general, and would love if you could share some of the things you've learned during this epic journey. Thanks for the inspiration. -Vic

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Hey glad you like the video! One of the best exercises for me was precision climbing with no repositioning. If you check out the video I made called 'Climb V7 In A Month' I mention a few things I worked on for focus and mindset (I'm in Spain in the episode). Good luck with the progress!

[@victorchang2016]

Andrew MacFarlane hey man, thanks for the tip! Will definitely implement that in my training and check out your other video as well

[@victorchang2016]

Andrew MacFarlane edit: watched the video, it was dope. Great insights

[@adrianboehm]

Good job man

[@adrianboehm]

Clombing for years now. And im made it my personal goal to do a V10 outside in my 36th year on this planet

[@qubit01]

looking forward to the v10 to v12/13 one😜

[@user-bq9lr5te6k]

Great video man! do you work any sig cardio into your plan?

[@MrRellim94]

Right then, Time to make sure I stick to my training plan! Cheers for the video dude :)

[@TheValinov]

@Andrew MacFarlane: Dude, have you taken down the video of this "magic" device which helped you with sweaty hands? would be nice if you could share a link with me.. because i'm interested but i couldn't find it on your playlist anymore :(

[@Tridrake]

Curious what are the focuses on the focus and mindset days? Also congrats on the V9!

[@jrisner6535]

Focus on focusing

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

One of the best exercises for me was precision climbing with no repositioning. If you check out the video I made called 'Climb V7 In A Month' I mention a few things I worked on for focus and mindset (I'm in Spain in the episode).

[@leoingson]

@@AndrewMacFarlane kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZnXe4mGrberrtE

[@cshanek]

Andrew, did you take any of your supplements pre or post workout or just as part of your morning shake? How many days a week did you spend training versus actually projecting climbs?

[@dmott6717]

Where did you go in Portugal to climb? I'll be there this summer and hoping to find some spots to climb.

[@DekarNL]

A friend and I started 6 months ago and have been climbing and training for 3 days per week and got from V2 to V4. My goals are hitting V5 within the next 6 months, which I feel is possible as long as my fingers don't feel weak. Wish me luck :)

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

You got this!

[@ellieinspace]

Amazing progress dude! Super inspiring! Curious, don’t carbs help with energy? How has low carb helped your climbing?

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Hey! I did still have carbs in my diet especially for workout days, but lower because I stopped have carb focused meals. So I stopped eating pasta and most bread, but did have meals with a side of rice and still got carbs from fruits and vegetables. This helped me maintain the energy levels I needed while not putting on fat.

[@ellieinspace]

Awesome ! Thanks for the reply! Great work!

[@VissGamer]

Are you planning on doing a full breakdown of your training routine?

[@loganwade140]

I saw this video right when I was looking to create my own training plan. So I would love to see what he puts into each session.

[@nicholaushale8661]

Concur I want to see the training plan.

[@nicholaushale8661]

It is actually why I watched.

[@davinderc]

Wow, what is that amazing sound at the beginning of the video?

[@ivankirchev7348]

Good job man, you said it you did it. I hope I see you again in Sofia

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

Ivan! Ya, crazy what can be done. See you in Sofia if I make it back

[@skfv4165]

Great job！You are the one！😎

[@jayrezvani3821]

You mentioned 1 month in feeling really sore. Did you implement any planned deloads into your training block, or did you mainly autoregulate? I'm wondering if the training block structure used in bodybuilding or powerlifting would apply (eg 4-6 week mesocycles, last week is a deload, each training block consisting of 3 mesocycles and a 2-4 week peaking phase before the test).

[@kickmonlee3390]

I can see all of this training is going right to your jaw line

[@boulderfighters2590]

First of all: Great video, really inspiring. It is cool to see how strong you got the last months. Good luck with crushing a V10 or higher soon. After seeing your videos I have no doubt about you sending it soon. I do have a couple of questions though, hope you don't mind. - In your sketch at e.g. 2:11, you have two four day schedules. You followed one of them for e.g. four weeks or you mixed them up? First week first one, then second week second one, third week first one etc? - How does a typical "Power + strength" session look like for you? - I read a comment below that in "mindset + focus" you pay particular attention to clean bouldering without repositioning etc. Do you then do easier climbs where it is easier for you to do it or you just do your regular volume but pay special attention to doing it very cleanly? Thanks in advance and keep up the great work you are doing here.

[@AndrewMacFarlane]

When I'm doing the exercise without repositioning it is on boulders that are not my project grade, so it can be mid to low. Playing Flash The Set is also a great exercise. I don't want to go too in-depth on exercises because there isn't one prescription to suit every climber's need and I have to respect the services the coaches provide an earn a living from. I'll look into making a follow-up video on specific exercises, but if you're looking for info right away then Lattice Training also puts out some helpful videos with lots of valuable training tips, so you can check them out or message them on Insta. Hope that helps!!

[@boulderfighters2590]

@@AndrewMacFarlane Thanks a lot for your quick reply. A follow up video would be very interesting! I am also following lattice and watching their videos. I think the problem is not that you don't find anything but there is so much out there so that it is hard to sort it in a proper way for yourself :D I will also try to incorporate a "focus/mindset" session into my schedule. Thanks again.

[@apeman6059]

I know fashoo it was intense because climbing train your grip mad hard 😂😂💪

[@0703110]

Any insight on what constitutes "mindset+focus" as a session?

[@tamarlambert6121]

No wonder he did so well, he had an actual competitive Badminton champion to train him

[@thewatch321]

Congratulations on all your hard work. Been watching since u started, don't stop. If u can hit up the AZ NM area for some great granite bouldering

[@reedmelicher8658]

How difficult was learning the technique vs the strength? I can see how mass amount's of training would help your strength but I'd think it would be very easy to pick up bad habits in that time. Was this an issue? What resources did you use to keep things straight?

[@jonathanwogerbauer2703]

Could you make an more indepth video on how you trained? Or was it more like 4 days a week, climbing and exercises as you liked? Or did you have a structure?

[@moonryu2806]

I climb 2 days a week. can you tell me the detailed eating method of 1. protein, 2. creatine 3. beta-alanine 4. collagen? Do I have to eat every day? even though I climb only 2wice a week? or eat after or before the climb? can you tell me more detail>?

[@matthewfischer7417]

What do you do for your focus + mindset days??