More about Neil’s training plan service
Are you having difficulty fitting climbing into a busy schedule and keen to make the most effective use of your training time?
Maybe your climbing has stagnated and you’re looking for fresh ideas, direction and motivation to boost you to the next level?
Perhaps you’re training for a particular project or you have a trip in the diary, with limited time to prepare.
Sometimes it can feel like pure guesswork when attempting to make your own plan, so why not leave it in the hands of one of the world’s leading experts, who has over 25 years of experience?
Photo: Ben Grubb / Stronghold
A personalised training program from Neil Gresham could be just what you need to turn your climbing goals into a reality.
It’s vital to stretch your upper limbs in order to avoid injury and maintain functional mobility. Neil’s programs will explain exactly how.
Photo: Ben Grubb / Stronghold
It's crucial to train the antagonist (opposition) muscles to prevent injuries, but which exercises are most effective, how many sets should you do and how many times should you train a week? Neil will based your plan on your precise needs and time constraints. Photo: Ben Grubb / Stronghold
‘I have become a new climber thanks to your program!’
Volko Radzik 2009
‘Having struggled at 6c, after following the program I am now cruising 7as and feel stronger and more motivated than ever before!’
Richard B 2011
It helps so much to have a plan to guide you through your wall sessions. There's no better way to make sure you're doing the right thing and staying on track. Photo: Ian Parnell
Neil’s personalised training programs are…
Tailored to your needs - All programs are geared specifically to the ability level, weaknesses, strengths, and lifestyle constraints of each individual.
Goal - focused - programs can be for all-round performance or geared towards different climbing styles: bouldering, sport, trad or competitions, trips or projects.
Time-efficient - Advice is given for shortening sessions and saving time during busy periods.
Easy to follow - The programs are user-friendly, with minimum tech-jargon. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided for all exercises.
Bouldering is the most important strength training method for climbing but how hard and steep should you go, how much should you do and how should you mix in other exercises such as hang boarding? A training program from Neil will answer these key questions. Photo: Ben Grubb/Stronghold
Adaptable - Neil will always provide options so that the program is flexible and you don’t feel trapped. For example, home hangboard routines will be provided for days when you can’t get to the climbing wall, as well as advice on fitting in crag climbing.
Mega detailed! - Plans feature an overview of the main training phases, weekly plans and detailed session plans for every session, including warm-ups and cool-downs.
Based on over 25 years of experience. Neil was the first British coach (and one of the first in the world) to offer a training program service. Hundreds of climbers have improved with one of his plans.
All training programs include detailed warm-ups and session plans for supportive conditioning. Photo: Steve Gorton
How the service works
If you would like to proceed, please follow the link given previously, fill out the questionnaire and make payment using the PayPal link.
Alternatively, send an email to neil@neilgresham.com to request the questionnaire as a Word Document or for payment details to be sent.
On receipt of the completed questionnaire and payment, Neil will then send your program will to you within 4 working days.
A personalised training program from Neil will include a leg flexibility routine, with advise you on how to fit it into your schedule. Photo: Ben Grubb
Pre-conditions for acceptance of personalised training programs:
In order to be eligible for a personalised program, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have been climbing for over 12 months.
You must be able boulder V2 and top-rope F6a.
You must be free from injury, apart from exceptionally minor tweaks, which are not aggravated by training.
You must not be suffering from illness or a medical condition.
You must be able to train a minimum of 3 times a week during the allocated training period (whether at the climbing wall or on a home facility, eg: a hangboard).
The training period should be relatively clear from interruptions (the odd brief work or climbing trip is ok)
You must not participate in other sports that are excessively demanding on energy levels during the training period.
Juniors (U17s) can apply but written consent from a parent or guardian must be sent in on email.
You must accept our terms and conditions, namely that climbing is a potentially dangerous sport and that climbing injuries can occur at any time, regardless of correct practice. Neil Gresham can not be held responsible for injuries incurred.
Putting his methods into practice - Neil on the first ascent of Sabotage 8c+, Malham Cove in 2016. Photo: Ian Parnell
History of Neil Gresham’s training programs:
Neil Gresham started writing training programs for friends and clients back in 1992 and went on to become the first British coach to establish an online personalised training program service in1994. Over the years he has produced hundreds of customised plans for climbers of all ages and ability levels and he has vast experience when it comes to understanding how different climbers respond to different formulae. He has set programs for elite climbers such as Matt Cousins, James Pearson, Gaz Parry, John Dunne, Leah Crane and Aidan Roberts. He has also worked with world champion para athlete Leonora Volpe. However, Neil specializes in working with intermediates, namely those climbing F6a – 7b. He believes strongly that the workload of a training program should always be adapted to the level and time constraints of each individual. As a father of two, with a busy work-life himself, Neil understands the need for time-efficient training. In addition to his long list of successful clients, Neil climbed his first 8c and 8c+ and his second E10 in his late 40s, during the busiest periods of his life, which is perhaps the ultimate proof of his methods.
A structured plan takes all the guesswork out of training and helps you to avoid injury and stay motivated. Neil has over 25 years of experience. Photo: Karl Gregory
Neil’s training program successes:
‘First of all, thank you very much, the program has been excellent! Ideal for fitting in with my schedule and really well balanced. I was surprised how difficult the training was at times yet I rarely finished a session totally ruined. My route grade indoors at Kendal has increased around two grades already.’
Duncan C 02.17
‘The training has been helping and I think I've got a grade better in 4 months. Not too bad. Got a 7a+ the other day. Felt ok too. Really enjoyed being more dynamic and strong.’
David B 02.17
‘Thank you Neil for your services. You are not kidding about there being a lot of content in the program. Gives me faith in the attention to detail and value for money!’
Phil L 01.17
All programs include detailed exercise descriptions. Photo: Steve Gorton
‘Brilliant! Thank you! Nice and clear, very helpful. Exactly what I was looking for. I tried it out at TCA last night and it felt great to make a start get stuck in. I can tell a few weeks of that will get my fitness up for sure! Really looking forward to getting down to Yorkshire.’
Lucy B 12.16
‘I just wanted to let you know that the program has been a great success for me. I recently sent my first 7a boulder problem on gritstone and am feeling much stronger. I was hoping that you might be able to write me another plan to start when I get back from Fontainebleau?’
Tom W 8.16
‘I have really enjoyed the program and certainly feel that it has improved my climbing, strength and overall fitness. I’m definitely working more on overhanging routes and having success in the V5 and V6 range, that wouldn't have been possible without the program.’
Cliff F 8.16
Reverse wrist curls are an important exercise for balancing the forearm and preventing injuries.
Photo: Mike Robertson
‘All in all very happy. Thanks again for the ‘New Way’. I feel really motivated and confident about my future as a climber again.’
Craig H 8.16
‘The training program is very detailed and contains a natural flow that is easy to follow. I will look forward to sharing updates with you.’
Apoorv K 7.16
‘Just a quick email to let you know I ticked Axle Attack 7a+ yesterday. It went pretty smoothly and I'm psyched to push a bit further with some harder redpoints. Your plan definitely helped me get there and I definitely benefitted massively from having a more structured approach to training. Thanks again.’
Steve M 4.16
Suspension training is a great supportive tool for strengthening the core and the antagonist muscles.
Photo: Kamil Jutkiewicz
’Neil, I can't thank you enough for your help and guidance. I find the warm-up routine you gave me allows me to climb more consistently and confidently at harder grades, and the guidance on how to specify training to particular problems is really motivating! I ended up spending 4 days trying Gorilla Warfare at Curbar and finally sent it on the last day! Thanks so much!’
Brian T 4.16
‘Really good so far. The 3-week strength/power and then 4-week endurance phase is exactly what I was looking for. Surprised (in a good way) how very detailed it is. Very good value for money! All the best.’
Filipe D 02.16
A thorough warm-up is crucial for good performance and to prevent injury. Neil's programs provide detailed routines.
Photo: Steve Gorton
‘The program is brilliant. Very comprehensive and I'm getting to grips with the way it's laid out.’
Russell B 09.15
‘The program is far better than I expected! The detail is unbelievable. It is a product that I think lots of climbers would really, really benefit from.’
Dave C 12.15
‘First of all, WOW! What an impressive document. I’ll look through it and write to you if I have any questions. Really happy I contacted you.’
Marcus L 12.15