Are you about to go scaling the limestone cliffs of El Potrero Chico or tackling the volcanic crags of Las Peñas de Dexcani? Well, improving your climbing technique will always improve your experience. Mexico is home to some of the best rock climbing in the world, so why not learn from the pros?
Tip 101: Improve Your Climbing Technique
Here are some top tips from Mexico’s finest climbing guides on how to improve your technique and feel more confident on the wall.
Forget your grip strength and Focus on Footwork First
You might think climbing is all about arm strength, right? Actually, the opposite is true: your legs do most of the work! One of the top tips from SouthernXposure’s guides is to focus on your footwork. The more efficient you are with your feet, the more energy you’ll save for tougher moves.
● Instead of blindly setting yourself onto footholds, try to place your foot intently. This keeps you in better balance.
● Always plan where your foot is going before moving. It helps you stay in control and climb more fluidly.
● In Mexico’s diverse landscape, you'll encounter lots of varying stone. Learning to smear (pressing your shoe flat against the rock for friction) will help on those tricky slabs.
Master Body Positioning
Have you ever noticed how experienced climbers seem to float up the rock? A big part of that is their ability to use body positioning to their advantage. Instead of muscling through every move, they rely on technique to make things easier.
● The closer your body is to the wall, the less strain on your arms.
● Rotate your hips toward the wall to extend your reach and conserve energy. This is especially helpful on steep terrain, like the overhangs you’ll find in places like Las Peñas Dexcani.
● Learning how to shift your weight effectively can keep you stable, especially when the holds are small.
Practice Breathing and Relaxation
● When you feel anxious or pumped out, take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves.
● It might feel tempting to power through, but take advantage of resting points. Shake out your arms and take a breather whenever possible.
● Climbers often over-grip, which wastes energy. Keep your grip firm but not tense—it’s all about efficiency.
Strengthen Your Core
Climbing is not only the display of muscle in the shoulders. It is the use of muscle tension throughout the body. SouthernXposure’s professional guides suggest strengthening the core muscles to improve stability on the rock. This means building up a very strong core helping you stay stable, particularly on some of the more challenging moves on which you will be applying heavy body tension.
● Planks
● Leg lifts
● Bicycles
Have Fun and Stay Curious
Climbing in Mexico is exceptionally amazing because there are a lot of climbing areas with differing stone. Still, the most important of all the information researched is to ensure that you have fun! Many participants, when interviewed, have expressed that they do not view climbing as only an athletic activity, it is an adventure as well as an appeal to natural environments only found outdoors.
Excel climbing the Cliffs of Mexico with SouthernXposure Climbing School & guide service
Are you ready to take your climbing to the next level? SouthernXposure Climbing School offers guided climbing tours throughout all of Mexico's stunning destinations. Our expert guides will help you master the systems needed to climb outdoors. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Book your climbing adventure today and let SouthernXposure Climbing School help you reach new heights.