Route Climbing Level 3

Advanced

12 weeks

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) based

Ascend with the final part of this three-part climbing series.

This plan builds upon the Level 1 and Level 2 route climbing training plans, and is meant to help you systematically dial in your climbing technique and endurance for the hardest pitches of your life.

As an advanced climber, you’ve likely decided to take on a training plan to break through a plateau in your climbing, and a structured plan is indeed an excellent way to do just that. The format of the training plan is three weeks of progressive loading, followed by a one-week taper in preparation for a short trip or project, repeated three times. Each three-week block is progressively more difficult, and involves a greater time commitment.

This plan is designed for climbers that have been climbing regularly for at least three years. You should be consistently completing boulder problems up to V6 in difficulty, and projecting problems in the V7 to V10 range, or 5.13a + sport routes. Even very experienced climbers should consider starting with the Level 2 route plan if you’ve recently taken time off and/or are coming back from injury.

This plan is based on your RPE, or “Rate of Perceived Exertion,” where workout intensities are guided by how hard you are working based on your perception of effort (how hard the workout feels to you) rather than by heart rate.

Whether you use an RPE-based or heart rate-based training plan, we recommend that you use a chest-strap heart rate monitor and GPS watch to log all your training.

5.13 called, and it has your number.

Training written and tested by Josh Wharton and Steve House.
A plan designed for the most advanced climbers.
Goal-setting guidance for sustained improvement.
Workouts uploaded to your smartwatch or GPS device.*
Email and chat support.
Buy it once. Own it forever. Unlimited updates.

*Apple Watch syncing is currently not supported for RPE plans.

If you want workout intensity guided by perception of effort, you can purchase the RPE version here.

Break through performance barriers with this detailed, challenging strength program.

Questions?

How can I get the most out of this training plan?

This plan is the culmination of 3 levels of route climbing plans. We strongly encourage climbers to check out our Level 1 and Level 2 plans before beginning this plan.

Access to a climbing gym is mandatory. You’ll also need climbing shoes, a chalk bag/brush, a logbook, and basic weights along with a yoga mat for strength and mobility sessions.

What should I do prior to starting this plan?

Complete the Level 2 Route Climbing plan in preparation for this plan.

What should I do after I complete this plan?

Check out our Advanced Rock Climbing plan designed by world-renowned climber Josh Wharton.

Don't believe us?

I’ve been a client of Uphill Athlete since 2017 and owner of an Everest plan, a skimo plan, and an ice climbing plan. Read their books, check out their plans/coaching, and interact on their forums. You’ll be glad you did.

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