Optimized base training program for intermediate mixed climbers (V4-V5 / 5.11b-5.11d). 3 sessions/week, 1288.5 moves/week.
Based on scientific research, community feedback, and proven results from climbers at your level.
Base Training program for intermediate mixed climbers (V4-V5 / 5.11b-5.11d)
Balanced training for both bouldering and route climbing
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.
Training Frequency: 3 sessions/week Session Duration: 120 minutes Weekly Volume: ~1399 moves at full (100%) volume — each week below scales this target
Learn the exercises, establish movement patterns, dial intensity.
Weekly volume target: ~1119 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.
Warm Up
MR Intervals (7a-7b)
Continuous Method (7a-7b)
ARC (Aerobic Restoration & Capillarity) (7a-7b)
Warm Up
Fartlek Boulders (7a-7b)
Continuous Method (7a-7b)
LR Intervals (7a-7b)
Push-ups (V4)
Shoulder Press (V4)
Hangboard Density Hangs (V4)
Warm Up
Fartlek Medium (7a-7b)
Continuous Method (7a-7b)
Antagonist Training (V4)
Reverse Butterfly (TRX) (V4)
Rest: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Full prescribed volume.
Weekly volume target: ~1399 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.
Increase volume or intensity.
Weekly volume target: ~1538 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.
Reduce volume, maintain intensity, recover.
Weekly volume target: ~839 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.
Generated and validated by the ClimbClaw training engine (Carlos V3 methodology).
💡 Community Insights:
"Climbing at high altitudes requires specific training to enhance oxygen efficiency."
"Strengthening mental resilience can help climbers cope with the emotional aftermath of failed summits."
Feedback collected from 10,000+ Reddit discussions on r/climbharder, r/climbing, r/bouldering