The pegboard stimulates especially the smaller muscles that are more difficult to reach with other training methods. When used correctly, pegboard training is an intense physical activity for the entire upper body. Did you know, for example, that according to statistics, one pegboard climb is equivalent to no less than 26 pull-ups in terms of intensity (muscle activation and heart rate)?
So, get on the pegboard and train hard for your next summit success!
1. The Pegboard: A versatile training tool for ice climbers
If you want to improve your ice climbing skills, the pegboard is a versatile training tool that you should definitely include in your training programme. Basically, a pegboard consists of a vertical plate with holes and pins that you can grab and pull yourself up on. This is a great way to improve your grip strength, endurance and power.Our Pegboard is made of extremely durable beech plywood with top quality workmanship. It has 24 insertion holes and comes complete with 4 beech wood pegs. Thanks to the different versions with different drill holes, it can be mounted either directly on a wall or on our Kraxlboard The Wall. In the Clip-on Pegboard version, it can be attached and screwed onto our Kraxlboard Classic, Kraxlboard Xtreme and Kraxlboard Rock in just a few steps.
For those who still don't have enough, there are our Combination Pegboards. In addition to the 24 holes for blocking training, the combi pegboard has nuts into which, for example, our Campus rungs and Hemispheres (slopers) or standard climbing holds can be screwed.
So, nothing stands in the way of perfect preparation for your arm training, blocking training and ice climbing training!
2. Benefits of using a pegboard in your training programme
One of the biggest advantages of using the Pegboard in your training programme is its versatility. With this tool you can perform a variety of exercises that are specific to ice climbing. The pegboard is a great tool for upper body strength training and can help improve your grip strength and endurance.In general, pegboard training is an intense physical activity for the entire upper body. In a study comparing muscle activation during different exercises, the pegboard showed the best results for latissimus, biceps and pectoral muscle growth.
The pegboard is not only ideal for muscle building, climbers and calisthenics athletes also use it to increase their strength endurance. They train by holding the peg for several seconds with just one hand; the entire climbing process can take 30 to 60 seconds, depending on ability. This requires considerable effort.
As you can see, by using the pegboard you can work specifically on the areas that are fundamental to ice climbing. In addition, the pegboard is easy to use and can therefore be found in almost any gym or climbing centre.
3. Warm-up exercises on the pegboard
To complete a successful ice climbing workout with the pegboard, it is important to warm up beforehand. Warm-up exercises on the pegboard can be an effective way to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead. A good warm-up routine can help prevent injury and improve performance.Simple warm-up exercises such as arm circles or push-ups work well to protect your muscles from strains, sprains or overstretching. Once your muscles are at operating temperature, you can start the actual workout.
It's best to start slowly and focus on making sure your movements are clean.
Start with simple exercises such as hanging from the pegs or a slight traverse along the board. Focus on mobilising your shoulders, arms and wrists and slowly preparing your muscles for the load. Perform each exercise in a calm and controlled manner, making sure you don't feel any pain.
4. Upper body strength training
Strength training for the upper body with the pegboard is a great way to improve your ice climbing skills. The pegboard offers a variety of ways to train the muscles of your upper body and improve your grip strength. When training with the pegboard, you can try different exercises that are specifically tailored to the needs of ice climbers. For example, you can do different pull-up variations or try difficult routes on the pegboard.Choose a difficult starting point on the pegboard (e.g. the top row) and pull yourself up to the edge of the board as many times as possible without setting down. Another way to increase your performance is to add weights during your workout - but be sure to do this only under the supervision of an experienced trainer! In addition, it is advisable to include regular fitness training and stretching exercises for the shoulder, arm and back muscles to prevent injury.
5. Grip strength and endurance exercises
To become a successful ice climber, it is important to train regularly and strengthen the muscles in a targeted way. An important component of this is grip strength, because without it you can neither hold the ice tools nor the various holds on the rock securely. Endurance exercises with the pegs on the pegboard are an effective way to build up and improve this strength. To do this, simply insert the pegs into the holes of the pegboard and hold them as long as possible.
It is important that you do not only strain the fingertips, but also the entire forearm. It is advisable to start with a light weight and increase slowly. Through regular training, you will quickly notice progress and be able to improve your grip strength. With this technique, you can optimally prepare yourself for demanding ice or rock routes and improve your climbing performance.
6. Core stability and balance workouts on the pegboard
Besides strength training and improving grip strength, core stability is also an important factor in ice climbing. Here, pegboard training is an excellent stability exercise because it coordinates many small muscle groups to maintain body tension.You can use the pegboard for effective ice climbing training with different pull-up variations, such as butterfly pull-ups and muscle-ups. You can attach the bars in different positions and perform tight, wide or shifted pull-ups. It is also suitable for different leg lift variations if you want to train your abdominal muscles.
By regularly training your core stability on the pegboard, you will not only be able to improve your ice climbing skills, but also your hand and eye coordination as well as your mental strength.
7. Conclusion
The Pegboard offers numerous possibilities for effective ice climbing training. It is a versatile tool for all aspiring or experienced ice climbers. With its various exercise options, it can be optimally integrated into any training programme - from improving grip strength and endurance to specifically building upper body strength through different variations of the pull-up. You can also benefit from using a pegboard in workouts to strengthen your core.With regular use of the pegboard you will soon notice progress in your ice climbing training - give it a try!
If you would like more useful tips about climbing and training, feel free to visit our Kraxl Blog posts again!
