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The Struggle Climbing Show - Louis Parkinson: A Masterclass on How to Improve at Indoor Climbing

Louis Parkinson: A Masterclass on How to Improve at Indoor Climbing

04/09/25 • 97 min

The Struggle Climbing Show

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!

https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Coach Louis Parkinson of Catalyst Climbing joins the show to explore:
  • His recent struggles with low self-esteem
  • The main differences between indoor and outdoor climbing
  • Why indoor grades are softer at the lower end
  • Movement styles that are unique to indoor climbing
  • The problem with boulder grades in general
  • Knowing when we're climbing too much (or not enough)
  • Utilizing indoor climbs to become more well rounded outdoors
  • The reason many climbers avoid dynamic movements (and how to fix it)
  • The shockingly small odds of getting seriously hurt
  • A comprehensive (and fun) 20-minute climbing warmup
  • The 3 simple movements that make up nearly all dynamic climbs
  • The huge benefit of not trying to send
  • How to accelerate learning on indoor climbs
  • How to coach ourselves as if Louis were in our heads

-

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

  • PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
  • SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. With a commitment to sustainability. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
  • Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
  • 5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

-

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

Check out the Catalyst channel on YT: @catalystclimbing

-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

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Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!

https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Coach Louis Parkinson of Catalyst Climbing joins the show to explore:
  • His recent struggles with low self-esteem
  • The main differences between indoor and outdoor climbing
  • Why indoor grades are softer at the lower end
  • Movement styles that are unique to indoor climbing
  • The problem with boulder grades in general
  • Knowing when we're climbing too much (or not enough)
  • Utilizing indoor climbs to become more well rounded outdoors
  • The reason many climbers avoid dynamic movements (and how to fix it)
  • The shockingly small odds of getting seriously hurt
  • A comprehensive (and fun) 20-minute climbing warmup
  • The 3 simple movements that make up nearly all dynamic climbs
  • The huge benefit of not trying to send
  • How to accelerate learning on indoor climbs
  • How to coach ourselves as if Louis were in our heads

-

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

  • PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
  • SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. With a commitment to sustainability. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
  • Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
  • 5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

-

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

Check out the Catalyst channel on YT: @catalystclimbing

-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

Previous Episode

undefined - Emil Abrahamsson: Live Q&A from Portland Rock Gym

Emil Abrahamsson: Live Q&A from Portland Rock Gym

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!

https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

-

Elite climber Emil Abrahamsson joins Ryan for a live event at Portland Rock Gym where they answered climber questions covering topics that explore:

  • How to improve at indoor climbing
  • What his coaching meant for me sending my hardest indoor climb
  • How to make fast progress on comp-style problems
  • Strength vs Mobility
  • His next outdoor project
  • How he uses tactics to improve his projecting process
  • Time management tips for busy climbers
  • Board Climbing: the most important training tool if used properly
  • What to be cautious of when training on boards

Shoutout to Portland Rock Gym in Beaverton for hosting us! What an INCREDIBLE facility they have. If you're in the area (or can find a reason to be) check it out. The rope hall is mega, the setting is top notch, the staff are friendly, and the entire vibe is so positive.

-

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

  • PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
  • Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 15% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
  • Rhino Skin Solutions: Perform, Cleanse, Repair... repeat! The absolute best skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

-

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

-

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

-

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

-

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

Next Episode

undefined - Luke Mehall: Starting Training at 40, Why Climbers Should Write, and the Power of Good Storytelling

Luke Mehall: Starting Training at 40, Why Climbers Should Write, and the Power of Good Storytelling

Join The Struggle’s Patreon community to get 100+ hours of Bonus Episodes, Pro Clinics, Uncut Videos, and Submit Questions for Future Guests. FREE TRIAL available!

https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

-

Climber, writer, and podcaster, Luke Mehall of The Climbing Zine, joins to discuss:
  • Starting training at age 40 and unlocking big gains
  • Falling in love with sport climbing
  • What it means to have a dirtbag state of mind
  • Why all climbers should write and writers should climb
  • Developing hundreds of routes and what makes the process so special
  • Route development 101 for those interested in first ascents
  • The climbing scene in El Potrero
  • The Climbing Zine and why YOU should be getting it
Subscribe to The Climbing Zine and check out its podcast, Dirtbag State of Mind

-

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

  • PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
  • Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 10% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne! Rungne.com
  • 5-Year Training and Performance Journal: The most important climbing tool I use! Takes just a few minutes each day, and yields amazing insights year after year. If you’re psyched on training and performance, this is the journal for you. Log, reflect, send.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

-

Shoutout to Matt Waltereese for being a Victory Whip supporter on Patreon! So mega.

-

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

-

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

-

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

-

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

-

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

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