In collaboration with Steve Bechtel @ClimbStrongTV, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses a research study comparing single versus double training sessions for endurance athletes, exploring its implications for climbers. They delve into the physiological responses to different training intensities, the importance of low-intensity workouts, and practical applications for climbers looking to enhance their training regimen. Today's episode emphasizes the need for climbers to consider their training volume and intensity, and how splitting sessions can potentially improve performance and recovery.

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00:01:12 Research intro 
00:04:26 How can we relate endurance physiology to climbing 
00:08:40 Research results 
00:15:20 What intensity looks like in climbing 
00:21:12 Accumulated annual training time 
00:28:26 Training a double session

Research Study: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1428536/full

Study Discussion: https://www.sportsperformancebulletin.com/training/high-intensity-training/endurance-training-two-halves-versus-one-whole

(Trigger Warning/TW: suicidal ideations) In this conversation, Mercedes Pollmeier shares her personal experiences with injuries as a climber, specifically her most recent elbow injury, discussing the mental and physical challenges she faced during recovery. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and finding opportunities for growth during setbacks. Using her journey and experience as a guide, she provides practical mental and physical tips for managing injuries. Have you experienced a climbing injury? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!

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Shout Outs
Union Physical Therapy: https://unionpt.com/
Movemend Rehab & Training: https://movemend.info/

00:02:05 Intro and disclaimer/trigger warning
00:03:05 Best advice possible
00:04:08 (TW) The mental side of injuries & Mercedes' personal injury story
00:22:50 Practical tip #1 (after Best advice possible) on how to use injury as a means to opportunity: Finding Acceptance
00:25:12 Practical tip #2 Trusting the process
00:25:29 Practical tip #3 Finding gratitude
00:26:20 Practical tip #4 Treat pain as a signal & consult with a PT or coach
00:28:13 Practical tip #5 Take a look at the long-term view
00:30:05 Physical training tips

In today's episode, Mercedes Pollmeier shares some research and personal experience from wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor for a month! Take a closer look together at health, climbing performance, energy regulation, and eating habits. Mercedes talks functionality, benefits, and how a CGM can be used as a self-improvement tool. Hear about her journey, how it helped her understand her body's response to food and exercise, optimize her nutrition, and improve her overall well-being.

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00:01:05 Why I wore a CGM
00:02:01 What are CGMs and how do they work
00:08:58 What happens in your body when your glucose rises
00:12:07 Why use a CGM if you don't have diabetes
00:17:54 How can a CGM help your climbing performance
00:31:13 Common questions about CGMs

In this podcast episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the strategy and art of projecting (even for those who avoid it), while also addressing common questions and mental barriers climbers face. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, the benefits of multiple attempts, and how to approach failure as a learning opportunity. Stick around to hear some practical tips for effective projecting, knowing when to move on from a climb, and the potential pitfalls of over-projecting. Leave with the encouragement to embrace curiosity and a beginner's mindset.

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00:01:30 Framing the question: How many attempts should you give a climb?
00:06:14 Reframing the word "failure"
00:08:25 What is a "good" attempt?
00:14:23 Benefits of giving a climb multiple attempts
00:17:43 Thoughts on Projecting
00:20:15 When should you move on from a project?
00:22:48 Pitfalls of projecting
00:25:49 Final thoughts

The focus of today's episode with Mercedes Pollmeier is to get you familiar with the starting point of strength training for your climbing journey. She discusses the top injuries of climbers and why they may happen. Build body awareness by learning which muscles are engaged while climbing, and also learn how to properly press, pull, hinge, squat, and let's not forget your core. Mercedes is here to drop the knowledge about what to prioritize for strength training, while improving mobility and reducing risk of injury. Leave a comment below about what you've noticed in your strength training & how it's shown up in your climbing!

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Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass

00:00:32 Common climbing injuries
00:03:08 Climbing Technique
00:05:25 Cause of Injury
00:06:44 Engaged muscles
00:09:17 What should we prioritize
00:13:32 Strength exercises
00:21:22 Recap
00:22:52 A question for YOU

Here's the Research Study: Grønhaug, Gudmund. “Self-reported chronic injuries in climbing: who gets injured when?.” BMJ open sport & exercise medicine vol. 4,1 e000406. 17 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000406

In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the optimal training frequency for climbers of all levels, emphasizing the importance of balancing climbing, strength training, and cardio. If you need practical tips on where to start, let Mercedes guide you on how to structure a weekly training plan, focusing on deliberate practice and consistency, and skill development to enhance your climbing performance.

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Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass

00:00:47 "How often should I be climbing?"
00:03:50 What it takes to learn a skill like climbing
00:10:48 "How many days a week should I be climbing?"
00:14:25 "How often should I be lifting (to support my climbing)?"
00:17:07 "How often should I do cardio to support my fitness to get to my climbing destination?"
00:20:05 Overview & putting it together
00:21:18 Fuel, warm-up, re-assess as needed

In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier and Steve Bechtel explore a research study that challenges traditional views on strength and endurance training. They discuss the implications of instability training, its effects on performance, and practical applications for climbers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rethinking training methods to enhance strength and endurance without the need for heavy lifting. Join us in the conversation and leave a comment below!

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Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass

00:2:25 Intro to study
00:7:53 Unstable training
00:13:20 Practical tips for unstable training
00:16:17 How to integrate it in your training
00:19:13 Training endurance through strength
00:23:27 Conclusion from study
00:25:44 Lower body exercise

Research Study: Li Q, Yan J, Qiao M, Quan J, Chen Y, Gong M, Niu W, Wang L. Eight-week lat pull-down resistance training with joint instability leads to superior pull-up endurance performance and reduced antagonist coactivation in recreationally active male college students. Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Jan;25(1):e12243. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12243. PMID: 39716392; PMCID: PMC11667758.

Hey climbers, listen up! In today's episode Mercedes Pollmeier and Clinical Nutritionist, Amanda Fitt, discuss nutrition pitfalls that hold climbers back. If you're a Modus Training member, you're familiar with Amanda as our nutrition expert and the important and valuable workshops that take place in the membership! We jump right in with the most common nutrition mistake, then we explore myths of fasting, and the critical roles of carbohydrates and hydration. Don't miss the practical tips for climbers to optimize your nutrition for better performance and recovery.

Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq

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Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass Find Amanda on IG: @purely_nourished

00:1:55 Most common pitfall
00:3:23 Length of session & fueling
00:7:16 "Didn't do much" in a session
00:10:54 Fasted training
00:17:26 Protein in the morning
00:20:59 Tips for busy professionals - evening sessions
00:23:10 When to eat when feeling sluggish
00:24:57 When to take a bite
00:26:49 Common symptoms in a session related to fueling
00:29:37 Fear of carbs and performance
00:36:32 Simple carbs
00:41:00 Hydration

Today's episode features Mercedes with guest Lucas Aaron from Range of Strength. We're excited to discuss the evolution of flexibility training, the significance of old time lifts, and the integration of strength and flexibility in training! We talk personal experiences, flexibility and rehab, and the mind-muscle connection. Of course, we relate this all to climbers! Join the conversation & drop a comment or question below!

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Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass

Find Lucas on IG: @rangeofstrength

00:00:40 Lucas intro
00:3:30 Flexibility through a different lens: Old Time Lifts
00:8:35 Introducing the Old Time Lifts with a Coach
00:11:55 Mercedes' experience with the one-arm deadlift
00:14:32 Discussion of Rehab
00:16:30 How Flexibility changed Lifting for Lucas
00:20:45 Why continue to train a range more than what you need
00:25:30 Tips for Passive and Active Flexibility for Novice Climber
00:30:18 Muscle Activation Technique & Mind Muscle Connection
00:40:43 Lucas' Current Favorite Exercise

Today we have Steve Bechtel here to talk with Mercedes about "periodization" (program length). And super sorry friends, I used the wrong mic for this recording! But join us as we discuss the intricacies of training program design, focusing on periodization, individual goals, and the importance of measuring progress. We explore common mistakes regarding program length and expectations, and emphasize patience and consistency in training, including journaling to track progress. We're here to encourage you to commit to your training programs and recognize your progress over time!

Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq

If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching

Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass

00:01:33 Fix a fixed mindset by knowing the why and the individual
00:05:42 How to help athletes measure their progress and know they're reaching their goals
00:09:35 Managing expectations, keeping track of progress, and reflection
00:14:02 Progress is really sneaky
00:16:45 Motivated to suffering, what is periodization, and being an individual
00:23:21 Adaptations and variety but the training goal stays the same
00:29:30 Neurological fatigue in climbing training
00:36:09 Well rounded Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches
00:41:07 Tips on sticking with your program