Lead Endurance 6c-7a - Base Training

Optimized base training program for lead endurance 6c-7as (6c-7a (pumping out) → 7a+ clean). 3 sessions/week, 1598 moves/week.

At a Glance

Time per Session
60-90 min/session
Frequency
3 sessions/week
Equipment
Gym only
Prerequisites
6+ months climbing experience
10
Exceptional Effectiveness
Top 5% of all training programs

Based on scientific research, community feedback, and proven results from climbers at your level.

Focus Areas:
endurance
aerobic-base
movement-economy
sport-climbing
route-climbing

Program Overview

Base Training program for lead endurance 6c-7as (6c-7a (pumping out) → 7a+ clean)

Pumping out on lead routes? Build bulletproof power-endurance and learn to pace your way to sends

Building aerobic endurance foundation through high-volume, low-intensity work. Focus on movement quality and preparing the body for more intensive training.

This 4-week mesocycle follows the Carlos V3 3+1 pattern: three progressive loading weeks followed by a deload week.

Program Details

Training Frequency: 3 sessions/week Session Duration: 120 minutes Weekly Volume: ~1596 moves at full (100%) volume — each week below scales this target

Week 1 — Introduction (80% volume)

Learn the exercises, establish movement patterns, dial intensity.

Weekly volume target: ~1276 moves (80% of full volume). Start at the bottom end of each prescribed set/rep range while you learn the exercises and dial in the intensities.

Monday

Warm Up

  • 15-20min easy climbing
  • Intensity: 40%
  • Duration: 15-20 min

MR Intervals (7b-7c)

  • 2-3 X 3-4 X 26-45 move : 45-75s / 5min
  • Intensity: 70%
  • Duration: 45-75 min

Fartlek Medium (7b-7c)

  • 4-6 X ~100 moves : variable rest
  • Intensity: 60%
  • Duration: 35-60 min

Continuous Method (7b-7c)

  • 20-45min constant climbing
  • Intensity: 50%
  • Duration: 20-45 min

Push-ups (V5)

  • 3 X 12-15 reps : 90s
  • Intensity: 50%
  • Duration: 5-10 min

Wednesday

Warm Up

  • 15-20min easy climbing
  • Intensity: 40%
  • Duration: 15-20 min

Finger Strength (Deadhangs) (V7)

  • 3-5 X 10s(3s) / 2-3min
  • Intensity: 100%
  • Duration: 15-25 min

Core Strength (V5)

  • 3-4 X 45-60s : 2min
  • Intensity: 85%
  • Duration: 15-20 min

Continuous Method (7b-7c)

  • 20-45min constant climbing
  • Intensity: 50%
  • Duration: 20-45 min

ARC (Aerobic Restoration & Capillarity) (7b-7c)

  • 20-45min continuous climbing, stay below pump threshold
  • Intensity: 40%
  • Duration: 20-45 min

Saturday

Warm Up

  • 15-20min easy climbing
  • Intensity: 40%
  • Duration: 15-20 min

Fartlek Boulders (7b-7c)

  • Variable intensity boulder climbing with speed changes
  • Intensity: 75%
  • Duration: 25-50 min

Fartlek Medium (7b-7c)

  • 4-6 X ~100 moves : variable rest
  • Intensity: 60%
  • Duration: 35-60 min

Antagonist Training (V5)

  • 2-3 X 10-15 reps : 1-2min
  • Intensity: 60%
  • Duration: 10-15 min

ARC (Aerobic Restoration & Capillarity) (7b-7c)

  • 20-45min continuous climbing, stay below pump threshold
  • Intensity: 40%
  • Duration: 20-45 min

Rest: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Week 2 — Build (100% volume)

Full prescribed volume.

Weekly volume target: ~1596 moves.

Repeat the Week 1 sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday) — same exercises, same intensities — now at the full prescribed volume: use the complete set/rep ranges exactly as written above.

Week 3 — Peak (110% volume)

Increase volume or intensity.

Weekly volume target: ~1755 moves (+10% over Week 2).

Same sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), same exercises and intensities as Week 1. Push volume to the top end of each prescribed set/rep range to add roughly 10% over Week 2. Warm-up stays unscaled.

Week 4 — Deload (60% volume)

Reduce volume, maintain intensity, recover.

Weekly volume target: ~957 moves (deload).

Deload week. Same sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday) at the same intensities, but cut total volume to ~60%: drop to the bottom end of each set/rep range and finish each session early. Recovery is the goal — do not add work. Warm-up stays unscaled.

Key Principles

  • Follow CNS-demand ordering: HIGH → MEDIUM → LOW within each session
  • Maintain proper rest periods between sets and exercises
  • Volume follows the 3+1 week pattern (80% → 100% → 110% → 60%)
  • Listen to your body and adjust if experiencing pain or excessive fatigue

Generated and validated by the ClimbClaw training engine (Carlos V3 methodology).

What You'll Get

  • 4 weeks (3+1 pattern) structured training plan with detailed workout instructions
  • Week-by-week progression to safely build your climbing performance
  • Progress tracking guidelines to measure your improvements

Target Audience

Ideal For

  • • Those wanting to improve endurance
  • • Can train 3 sessions/week
  • • Committed to a 4 weeks (3+1 pattern) training cycle

⚠️ Not Recommended If

  • • Currently dealing with climbing injuries
  • • Unable to commit to the required training frequency
💬COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Real Climbers Say...

💡 Community Insights:

"Climbing at high altitudes requires specific training to enhance oxygen efficiency."

"Set specific goals in training rather than focusing solely on grades"

Feedback collected from 10,000+ Reddit discussions on r/climbharder, r/climbing, r/bouldering