Approaching Climbs That Look Way Beyond Your Level (Coaching Session)

[@nightfox6738]

I feel like Louie is a climbing therapist. "I feel like I'm not strong enough to do this" "Well tell me more about that."

[@allen.9]

That’s how my teacher responds to everything and it’s shocking how well of a learning experience that creates.

[@kim98677]

Sending it while your coach is putting on their shoes to "show you how its done" is hilarious

[@mats1365]

Louis point at 10:25 feels so important to me. Not just about individual projects, but also about grades. A while back I did my first v6. After the initial joy had worn off, I started to expect doing every v6 I pulled on. I also got very annoyed if there was a v5 I couldn’t do, even though just weeks before, any v5 send was a relatively big deal. I essentially took away my own enjoyment of climbing, just because my focus and expectations were wrong

[@SloperMC]

It’s excellent to always aim to learn and improve of course… but for me the joy of bouldering / climbing is more about an endless exploration of how one can move across or up a wall or rock and not just about ticking grades .🤔🧐

[@Drückebecker]

Thanks for your comment. I think/ime this is something we slip very easy into. Not just sports.

[@itsfinn2183]

Love these coaching videos, I wish I had a Louis to follow me boulder to boulder cheering me on 😂

[@missbrie2]

I was coming here to say this! I need a Louis in my life to help me do better and give me confidence by cheering me on and believing in me! Louis, please come to the United States and climb with me 😂

[@maxblais]

hell yeah this guy is so positive and with good insights, I want him as my coach so bad. Forget US, come to Quebec man :P

[@talos7314]

This is one of the reasons I love climbing with other people. A friend shouting "Let's go, let's go" is sometimes all you need to overcome a hard or scary move. :D

[@eliech6858]

From now on, I’ll try to imagine having a little angel Louis talking over my shoulder when I climb. 😅

[@slimaque727]

Jo is definitely stronger than she thinks. Solid effort on those boulders

[@NotPMHarper]

Big props to Jo! I agree, she looked so close every time haha.

[@annav3722]

I think Louis mixed up active and passive flexibility? what I learned: Passive flexibility: the flexibility you have when you are e.g. pushing down into a split. you are using either force or dynamic movement to get into the flexible position. Active flexibility: you are using strength to get into a split, e.g. you are able to lift your leg up into a full standing split without having to pull it to you.

[@jayb555-r9k]

That was a great video. Jo is very strong, it’s crazy to see someone doubt themselves that much when objectively they look really good on the climb. I suppose we all do and of course seeing someone get close to a hold doesn’t mean they can move their hands. Thanks for the videos Louis. These sessions are so good I’m pretty sure I’m climbing a grade higher just from watching the last video.

[@goloher]

Well said! I see a few people in my gym who are way stronger and more flexible than me (their sole warm-up routine would be a separate training for me), but they can't complete any route higher than 6a+/6b. From what I see, it's all about doubts and fear, and instead of working with that, their coaches just keep on building the guys' physical strength and resistance. Honestly, it's almost painful to watch.

[@alecsyogacorner]

It is SO impressive that Jo is hopping on a v8-v9 climb - and going "how do I put chalk on my hands?" how do you get to this level without using chalk??? Jo, get ready for some EXPLOSIVE growth in your climbing!!! (amazing video, Louis, you're a phenomenal and inspiring coach!)

[@durabelle]

Okay, I don't climb V8 (or anything these days), but will reply anyways. I started climbing using chalk as instructed, but slowly just stopped using it over the years. Basically my hands are always way too dry in the first place, and chalk never felt useful in any way. I'm sure it does help in some way since all the top climbers use it, but maybe it only becomes useful once the grade goes up and holds get bad enough? Or with normally sweaty hands. There's always been something bigger on the way for me than hands slipping (mainly joints aching, or skin cracking on my hands for being too dry). I never progressed past the other issues, so no need for chalk.

[@imaboostedanimal2774]

​@@durabellethe use of chalk depends a lot on how sweaty your hands are, i have very sweaty hands and without chalk i go from flashing v5's to struggling on easy V4's

[@durabelle]

@@imaboostedanimal2774 I believe you. My hands only ever feel sweaty if it's actually really hot where I'm exercising. Normally my hands are dry and freezing cold 😂 I've seen a thermal image of myself, and everything else is in shades of yellow and red except my hands and feet that are blue. The heat's just not being transferred to the extremities like it should. (Not as uncommon as you'd think either, there's quite a few of us.)

[@jamesconway6884]

@@durabelle 100% agree with you, I climbed my first V8 a month ago, dont use chalk at all, I feel no difference whatsoever. I've lost 3 chalk bags in different GYMs across the UK because I forget about them, I literally buy the chalk because it was a culture thing, not because it does anything. to me it feels complete placibo, however everyone I say that to thinks Im crazy ahaha. I must just not get sweaty hands

[@durabelle]

@@jamesconway6884 Welcome to the dry hand club! I wouldn't go as far as calling it placebo though, I'm sure it does help with sweaty hands and adds friction for anyone who needs it. But I don't think it helps in any magical way, so if there's no sweaty hands on slippery holds issue on the first place then chalk isn't going to make you any better. And for people with overly dry hands it can even make things worse by drying them even more and eventually making the skin crack.

[@KyleLanmon]

"doubt is heavy" powerful quote!

[@jmb9701]

Love watching you coaching people who have alot of ability but need a little extra confidence to really push their abilities. Moments like @7:35 are really why I watch your content.

[@itsfinn2183]

Haha when he said that it reminds me how much I make excuses

[@thecanopybookclub8752]

What does he say ? "Yeah I know but it's not getting any better so ...?"

[@jmb9701]

@@thecanopybookclub8752 Yeah, hes bascially saying "yeah its hard, its not going to get better whining about it, so get to it" - which is what many of us need to hear when we are taking on a challenge.

[@TelasiaDemetria]

That's horrible! Well it's not going to get any better! So relatable 😂😂😂

[@sean6387]

Fantastic coaching session from Louis, but Jo's ability both to listen to advice but also try what feels intuitive was even more interesting for me. Having a camera on her while pushing her physical and psychological limits and still having fun and making valuable comments was exceptional. Another great video from the Catalyst team.

[@christelysc4250]

OMG more than a coach, Louis should be a climbing therapist! You don't need confidence when you have a Louis 😁

[@Matt10124]

19:50. I am a counsellor and novice climber and this was a full blown CBT session. Love it!

[@callumtyrrell8748]

Everyone needs a climbing buddy as passionate, enthusiastic and supportive as Louis. Hell, everyone could do with just one friend like this guy. World would be a more positive place

[@jeroenvanrooij7291]

Poor Ink, first gets snipped, then they kick over his water bowl.

[@muumarlin1731]

Love these episodes! Louis is just an amazing coach to have in your corner. I'm gonna invite him to live in my head whenever I'm projecting.

[@muddsnyder]

These formats of video are really compelling. Way to go, Jo!

[@b0604]

Would definitely watch more sessions with Jo.

[@superdeluxesmell]

She has a boyfriend.

[@durabelle]

@@superdeluxesmell What does that have to do with anything? I'd definitely watch more sessions with her too, just because she's very relatable.

[@oovlocityoo2671]

I think Louis is the best coach ever! Such a positive guy. Will Love to have him come to my place 😁

[@matteobecchi1210]

This was very cool! You are a really good coach. I find it very interesting how you always avoid "negative encouragement", saying stuff like "you didn't try hard enough, you can do better", finding instead positive elements each time to make people feel more positive and psyched.

[@balaenopteramusculus]

I am a little bit late to the party, but Jo, you are way, way stronger than you think! Unbelievable effort as well. When you seem not to think and just tried very hard, you got it or got very, very close. Very impressive, very inspirational.

[@killua5676]

It's so crazy to see someone who clearly has so much strength completely held back by her own insecurities. I feel it's a little rarer, you kind of expect stronger climbers to already have a mindset they can lean on in times of doubt. Very interesting session.

[@colinsellar8409]

Jo you are crazy brave to put yourself out there and train on camera - huge Kudos! Louis you might just be the best growth mindset coach in any discipline full stop. My son and I love this series - keep it coming please!

[@MrRadicalsheep]

Only 6 weeks into my climbing journey and absolutely love your videos way to go Jo!

[@katiem4850]

Such an inspiring series with Louis! Watching people realize their abilities in real time is incredible and not many people have that level of persuasion/coaching (in any discipline).

[@yourneighborwiththecutedog]

i feel like she could benefit from trying to touch the next hold before falling. i like to reach for it, and then fall. it teaches your body the movement and sometimes you catch it!!

[@stefanierademacher559]

Louis can I tell you what a beautiful and adorable human being you are??! Your coaching Videos are absoluetly amazing! Best character in the world bro, I bet everyone loves working with you! I would such a good person!

[@stefanierademacher559]

"Pet house of shame" 😂😂😂

[@davidw789]

These are my favorite videos! Because of the ones with Sam I've taken on a V7 climb I would've never tried before and I've done all the moves individually now! I'm going to keep working and get it linked together!

[@lukasd75]

I can imagine beating my head against the wall and he still shouting "Great effort!" 😂 Seriously, man, very nice coaching ✨

[@locien182]

i tried this logic today, couldnt do a problem (felt uneasy on a footing very small crimp like the size of a 50p) went up the green next to it and just planted my foot on it and went back and forth on the bit i felt uneasy on, once my confidence grew after like 5 goes, bam i felt confident on my real next solid atempt and done it. love these vids keep more coming please.

[@Oliver_Oboes_N_Climbs]

Love the energy, love the mindset. Really motivating content (and entertaining!). Congrats to Louis and Jo for a great video and a great session

[@coolloafofbread6462]

love these videos, I learn loads just from watching, if only Louis cheered us all on while we're climbing

[@jayb555-r9k]

Be other people’s Louis and they will be your Louis. 😊

[@stuartwebster2203]

More like this please, super helpful and fun. Jo and Sam were both great.

[@simonjenkins9296]

Love it! If this coaching series continues I would like to see the climbers starting ability.😀

[@ShroomAndMoss]

This is such a great video ! Thank you Jo for a woman's perspective on it, it's always that little bit more motivating 😃

[@rhettetherington1351]

Another great video. Louis is a great coach full of encouragement and advice. More of these and More Jo.

[@climbing_thomas]

stretching is so much fun though! and the best rest day activity! you can almost feel how it will benefit your climbing!

[@danbsmith]

Great coaching and great efforts!! First class all the way!

[@Ericxnugz]

Approached a v6 today and almost flashed it!! Numbers are just numbers

[@Dave1507]

Isn't it the other way round with active and passive flexibility? Active is what you can achieve statically, and passive is when you "throw" your foot, because that's more momentum than flexibility?

[@Dave1507]

@@andrewkim9503 Not according to the first three pages I just googled which all explain it just like I did. BTW this is not about stretching, but the result of stretching, which is flexibility.

[@lukedavies900]

You're probably better off using the terms flexibility (Range you can move with assistance) and mobility (range you can move the joint using only the joint and accompanying musculature's own power). Active and passive flexibility are terms not as commonly used or widely accepted. But yeah you're right, active is what you can move without assistance and passive is the ability of the joint to move while being assisted.

[@MullacBackwards]

Ink is the most suitable name for that cat possible!

[@Bobbzorzen]

Love this series, super educational and inspirational! And like everyone else has already said, Jo looks insanely strong, no doubt in my mind that she can do both those boulders with power to spare

[@justinscherzer6047]

Hope you do more videos of this style!

[@koulmemaybe]

coaching sessions with other climbers are great but what the people really want is a coaching session with Ink

[@jaredanwyl3686]

Agree with Louis, it looked like Jo was going to mantle the white route, I think she could make that move with no problem.

[@miriambergmann1546]

@catalyst climbing - I am pretty sure you mixed up active and passive flexibility? At least the way it was explained to me in every contortion or flexibility class - active flexibility is the ROM you can achieve by using your muscle strenght (of the antagonist of the stretched muscle) it is "the better flexibility" as the body feels its safer and it is accessible even if you are not (very) warmed up passive flexibility is the ROM you can achieve if you (press/pull/yank) the limb without or further than possible by engaging the supporting muscles ....

[@jacey19731]

Yes! Noticed that too. Easy to get swapped up when sort of explaining a thing to better explain a different thing. lol. But yes, active ROM is moving the limb on its own and passive ROM is using an external device (strap, hand, etc).

[@PotatoSalad11]

The "flexibility hacks" at 4:16 are extremely helpful.

[@dsmeier6270]

I loved this. Really nice advice.

[@M3taPhy5ical]

Doubt is heavy... Nice video!

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

really enjoyed this video, some great climbing and great coaching

[@lekanteto]

Congrats to Jo. 💪👍

[@januslarsen9159]

Nice video. However, I really liked the one with Sam were first Sam climbs a boulder, then Louis climb the same and afterwards the approach and differences are examinded. I think that was unique and brought insight that is not obtained in a more "normal" coaching session like this one.

[@magaisti]

Jo is a beast!! Loved the mindset tips in this video

[@LiamRappaport]

19:37 It looks like after getting the crimp maybe you could match feet, set a right heel on the bigger hold, drop the left foot and rock over for the next hand? maybe? I'm really enjoying these videos though.

[@EnthalpyUplusPV]

I feel so inspired rn

[@georgerobinson9267]

Hey Louis, as an aspiring instructor and coach I absolutely love watching your videos. I have observed something which I find interesting. You tend to tell beta quickly after a failed attempt. I thought there might be a few reasons for this. Could be to help with the structure of the video, to help the climber save energy or it could be specific to what you're trying to coach. For example, if you were specifically trying to coach route reading skills, I suspect you wouldn't give any beta away. I just wanted to hear your point of view on this and why you chose to do what you did. I also like to add that I like how encouraging you are when the climber was trying new beta that worked for her. Awesome video man!

[@VenorTech]

These videos are great keep them coming.

[@Gecko2601]

Great video from a great person, I too wished I could have this positive thinking routine. I will try my best getting there with the help of your videos👍 At 22 Jo seemed to just have to commit and get the next hold. She nearly could have had a bite 😉

[@peterarbeitsloser1746]

love these videos, would love to see more! :)

[@stampatron]

"Always doubt your doubt"

[@ianterada6821]

"I know but It's not gonna get any better, so start putting weight on it" wow, I feel I need a moment to process that ethos

[@ramsessiereveld2824]

RIP Ink's water bowl

[@RobDHamilton]

My biggest problem with overhangs is that a slightly bigger guy (about 100kg), overhangs have a tendency to really hammer my skin. My hands are holding so much weight it's the quickest way I injure my skin.

[@Cristyface]

I think that's honestly why so far my hands have been holding up really well. I'm only 5 ft tall and 96-ish lbs (152.4 cm and 43.5 kg) so I am not hauling up much and I'm not grabbing too hard, but the tradeoff is that my reach is absolutely terrible so I beat up my ankles trying to heel hook on the rough volumes to be able to grab the next hold, especially on overhangs where I am already tired from the angle and desperate to get up.

[@RobDHamilton]

@@Cristyface Yeh I'm 6"1, so whilst I'm overweight, I do have the advantage of reach where you don't. So I can kind of skip or brute force some routes.

[@Cristyface]

@@RobDHamiltonHaha I do get jealous when I see tall people just... reach things. There's a route that I can't complete yet because the finishing hold is so far away that I am literally doing a split so I have no way to generate force to jump to it. I just gotta get good!

[@kft4764]

I learned, as a pain avoidance technique, to try to roll my grip up onto a hold instead of cupping my hand and just slapping it onto a hold . When I do that, my grip pulls directly onto my skin instead of a more shearing/ rotation under load. That’s not easy to describe in words, but the goal is to avoid over reaching into a hold then having your grip rotate when your body weight comes onto it. It’s the rotation under load that causes major wear and tear on the skin.

[@chunkspiggle3916]

Are your finger joints okay? As a 165lb 5'11 dude, a solid hour on a 40 degree tension board completely crushes me (I project around V3 on the TB2 mirror so the holds are still all jugs/very good blobby pinches pretty much). Has me strongly considering dropping 10lbs. Be careful!

[@jimmcdiarmid9757]

Louie is an awsome coach, not bad at climbing either lol. Louie! do you come up to Scotland to coach? Would love a session with you, help me climb easier than i do now? cheers Matt

[@aznfoever35]

awesome coaching

[@mandymckk]

What tips would you give an absolute beginner? Like, hasn’t climbed anything for at least 10 years and has minimal upper body strength? Y’all make it look so fun!

[@Zevoxian]

1. Be forgiving of yourself an know you’re coming from a beginner level and falling does not mean you are bad (falling is important at all levels!) 2. Use your feet, and specifically toes, as much as possible (before arms if you can) 3. Try keeping straighter arms, it will conserve strength 4. Keep coming back to it ☺️

[@FoxInTheBasement]

me: falls chin first attempting the first move, shits pants Louis: "oh yeah, great effort!!!"

[@MichaelJervis]

Chalk q, it’s just to dry hands right? I use chalk, but don’t rechalk for every climb. So long as my hands are dry. On the free solo largest bouldering wall video Louis wears a chalk bag and rechalks multiple times. Just sweaty or does it do more than the dry and I’ve misunderstood?

[@redbeardthepink4809]

It looked too me like the first few times she tried it, she reached far enough to grab the hold but didn't quite land the grab. She def had the move.

[@santor5]

You def had that move on the last climb. You just need to trust yourself and maybe fall a few times :). But you are absolutely strong enough.

[@brennagarcia6486]

sorry, she's climbing v8s and has never used chalk??? she's amazing

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Hey Jo. Did you go back and get them?

[@arzan669]

This should be called climbing therapy 😂

[@LoveAndClimbing]

Louis I am looking for an in-person coach in North America who brings a cat to their coaching sessions, any recommendations?

[@DanielDobbelstein]

Could you please start filming in cologne? I would know a student for you.... 😂 awesome video. As food as the last "try hard".

[@tranquilityparkour]

No, I don't suppose Ink will be bouldering today... 😽

[@davidw789]

How do I get a personal Louis to come cheer me on while I climb? Lol

[@gatlincasey1]

The power of using chalk 😂

[@asharablack]

I love these coaching sessions and I hope there's more to come! One suggestion though: Could you maybe ask the students how many pull-ups they can do, just as a reference point for the viewers? I find it difficult to gauge just from watching how strong a climber is, and I wonder how much strength I need to gain before I have a shot at an overhang like in this video.

[@Renstah02]

So close Jo!

[@andrew-y7d2y]

Bad news for Jo... she's strong as hell.

[@iwilleatursoup3679]

Rip inks water bowl 😂

[@muscuaction273]

I don,t get what it means, what happened 7:57

[@tigrecito48]

Ask her if she has PMS Positive Mind Set

[@justinongdx]

nice

[@phillippearce9680]

👍

[@adventureawaits6923]

Excellent video! Good on ya, joe!

[@snipingduck7655]

Is it weird that i want him as my climbing dad?

[@imrmebs]

rip inks water bowl

[@Scott-ir5eg]

Jo mama.

[@MrCertainlyNot]

I would like, but it's at 666. I'll comment instead.

[@sakkiebasson2052]

v8+ climber that doesnt use chalk? lol

[@updated5709]

When I was doing trad climbs in tenerife, I met a fair few people who minimised their use of chalk and they were some of the best climbers I have ever met.

[@kausha7135]

Jo is super capable. She just needs to get out of her head.

[@ReshirexOnYT]

NDL

[@steffenschulze4126]

The background music is distracting.

[@mikuu8232]

Pin me if u want people to try climbing