We all love a good session at BM, where the vibes are high, your favourite boulder problems are freshly set, and the playlist hits just right. But how often do you walk away feeling like you truly made progress? Like your session wasn’t just a fun sweat, but also a step forward?

Whether you're projecting your first V3 or chasing V6s, making your climbs count means more than just racking up attempts and tallying the number of problems you sent. It’s about showing up with intention, climbing with focus, and leaving stronger — not just physically, but mentally and technically too.

Here's how to make every session worthwhile.

1. Plan and Prepare

Don’t skip the small stuff—it all adds up.

Warm up properly: Get your fingers, shoulders, and hips ready before you hit your limit. It reduces injury risk and sets your body up for success.

Set a focus: Ask yourself: “What do I want from today?” It could be refining footwork, conquering a project, or just climbing with better control.

Pick climbs that push you: Find that sweet spot — problems that aren’t way too difficult, or pick those that challenge you without causing frustration or pain.

2. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

More climbs ≠ better climbing.

Climb with intention: Avoid autopilot. Every move or sequence should have a purpose.

Practice deliberately: Zoom in on technique — quiet feet, efficient body tension, or smoother transitions.

Trim the excess: Wasted foot swaps, foot tapping on sketchy holds, and panic grabs burn energy. Experiment with techniques and find the most efficient sequence. Efficiency is key.

3. Stay Present and Mindful

Your mind is a powerful climbing tool — maximise it to your advantage.

Be aware of your body: Tune into how you move, breathe, and shift weight/centre-of-gravity.

Reset between climbs: Chalking up or visualising your beta can help you re-centre.

Notice what works, and what doesn’t: Mindless repetition won’t fix poor habits.

4. Track and Reflect

You can’t improve what you don’t notice.

Log your climbs: Whether in a notebook or an app, or simply taking videos of your attempts, noting your sends and struggles gives clarity over time.

Spot your patterns: Struggling with compression? Avoiding slabs? That’s your growth zone.

Adapt your approach: Let your reflections and learnings shape how you approach your next session.

5. Train Variety, Not Just Difficulty

Don’t get stuck in one style.

Change it up: Crimps, slopers, overhangs, volumes — each teaches our body different movements and skills.

Challenge yourself creatively: Try the same climb with fewer foot swaps, better balance, or smoother movement.

Fail on purpose: Often, the climbs that we almost send are the ones that have the most to teach us.

6. Climb with (Good) Company

Your session may be more fruitful with others who push you.

Surround yourself with challenge: Climb with friends who have different strengths and weaknesses. Their beta and energy can be contagious.

Share and receive wisely: A helpful tip can change everything. But offering unsolicited beta? Maybe not.

Record your climbs occasionally: Watching your own movement can be surprisingly insightful.

7. Rest, Recover, Reset

No gains without recovery.

Take proper rest days: That’s when the body rebuilds and strengthens.

Listen to your body: If something feels weird or off, dial it down.

Fuel and sleep well: These aren’t just ‘basic’ — they are absolutely crucial.

Bonus: Did This Session Count?

Before you pack up for the day, check in with yourself:

• Did I warm up and set a focus?
  
• Did I challenge myself with something hard or unfamiliar?
  
• Did I reflect or learn something new?
  
• Am I leaving feeling satisfied, not wrecked?
  
• Am I giving myself time to recover?
  

If you answered yes to 3 of these points or more — your session counted. Nice one!

Final Thoughts

Climbing isn’t just about strength — it’s about awareness, intention, and consistency. By approaching each session with clarity and purpose, you’ll climb better, stay healthier, and progress faster.

Next time you're at the gym, perhaps take a moment before you hop on the wall. Ask yourself: How can I make this session count? Then go climb with purpose — stick the holds, and have fun doing it.