Gain more Range

Relaxation & Tension

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Relaxation & Tension ==>

Primary Information for How & Why


To effectively embark on this skill builder, there are a few key pieces of essential information you need to know. These primary details will guide you in learning & performing the skill correctly and maximizing the benefits of your practice.

  • Being able to see more relaxation in the Easy and Focused & Engaged range of climbing. But in the Problem Solving range it’s important to properly time your tension and capitalize on moments where you can relax.

    Success = Description of what good looks like for this skill.

  • Tension gives us stability and when we have a constant level of tension the quality is thwarted. Relaxation is amazing for longevity, fluidity and length but nothing hard is executed in this state.

    Why = Broad explanation of why this skill is important.

  • 1)We want to have more intention to enhance the qualities of relaxation or tension when climbing.



    2) When we preview or pause mid climb there is a moment to look ahead to capitalize on the qualities of these skills.



    3) The long term goal is to better understand our current capabilities. Then understand what is limiting our range or take another strategy to toggle between the range for the moment.

    Directions = Written guidance for the skill.

Essential knowledge to be Effective 

To embark on any skill builder successfully, it is crucial to have a strong foundation of essential information. This knowledge will ensure that you perform the skill appropriately to maximize the benefits of your practice. This section will provide you with the necessary depth to best perform this skill builder.

  • 1) Reflect on your climbing day and list out any behaviors that enhance your level of relaxation & tension.



    2) Select a behavior that enhances your level of tension & relaxation. Question: Could your timing or quality of execution effect the spectrum of relaxation & tension? Now select a climb where you can explore or practice your observation to adjust your level of relaxation or tension.

    

3) Repeat steps 1 & 2 until you have identified two to three behaviors that effect your Relaxation & Tension. In other words generate a list of 2-3 behaviors.



    4) In your early days of climbing you either were relaxed or tense on the wall. For this progression, I’m asking you throughout your day to preview a climb and break it into sections. Each of those sections should be broken into relaxed or tense. Explore using your quiver of 2-3 behaviors that might be most appropriate in a specific section. Now attempt to cycle through your behaviors to fine tune your relaxation or tension.

    Progressions = Listing of the progressions for this skill.

  • You can gain better understanding of what is possible by experiencing your range on the floor laying on your back at home. First do your best version of fully relaxed then follow it up with expressing absolute tension. Next go back to your so called “Normal” level of relaxation on the floor.

    Tips = There might be suggestions on how best to practice & integrate the skill.

References for this exercise

The references below provide clarity by explaining the key terms in a concise manner.

  • Edit the time field to reflect the total estimated time you spent practicing this skill.

    Record = What and how to record relevant data to track any changes.

  • Range is subtle difference in the quality of being fully relaxed and absolute tension on the wall.

    Definitions = Explanation of a term.