Training support activities (TSA) could be viewed as the "secret" to optimal climbing performance, because these not-so-obvious areas play a vital role in maximizing your performance in each area of the climbing performance triad. Training support activities include, among other things, use of strategies for accelerating recovery, partaking in performance nutrition, and acting proactively to prevent and treat climbing injuries. TSA is all about being a climber 24/7...doing anything and everything to maximize your abilites while constantly striving to eliminate or unlearn habits that might be holding you back.

Bottom line: if you are serious about climbing performance, then you must be serious about TSA. Although it's impossible to say exactly how much of an edge these practices will give you, I estimate that the average climber can lower injury risk and enhance on-the-rock performance by 10 to 20 percent (maybe more!). Conversely, skipping or ignoring TSA means your performance will forever be hampered in a covert way you may never recognize.

Study the articles below and apply the strategies--knowledge is power only if you use it!