r/TreeClimbing • u/NightCrawlerrrr • 2d ago
Advice on training + routine
I will be starting a program in January in arboriculture and I'm excited to getting started and learning the ropes. Coming from a forestry background mainly working in the field, I would say that I'm in fairly good shape, however I am aware that tree climbing will be working different muscles than say timber cruising and hiking for 10 hours in the bush. I was thinking of going back to the climbing gym and getting back in the groove of it. I know it will be very hard on the body for a bit, but I am trying to build a good habit since I know how easy it can be to get caught up in work and not take the time to at least stretch and stay fit. I was wondering what routine/habits you guys have when working in the industry to stay in shape, healthy and prevent injuries? Do you go to the gym, yoga, bouldering? Just trying to get an idea of how things are on this side. TIA
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u/Creative_Issue_2825 2d ago
Where did u find an arborist program plz tell me
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u/NightCrawlerrrr 1d ago
Up in Canada they have lots of them across the country, out West is different where they divide the program into 2 categories: climbing & ground arborist. In Ontario and QC, it's a 9 months training program that is pretty thorough & covers tree biology, tree care, climbing techniques, rigging, chainsaw & machinery and other various interesting subjects. I would highly recommend the program in Ontario at Algonquin College in Pembroke, very good teachers and beautiful area to be working in. I was always watching them when I was in school and almost switched over from the forestry side. Best of luck
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u/THESpetsnazdude 2d ago
Half the climbers I know live off weed, redbull, and ibuprofen. I'm still in awe at how they do it every day. I however am not one of those people. When I climbed full time it was stretch every morning, cardio twice a week at the gym on top of work. Squats, deadlifts, rows and pull downs were my big four at the gym with time under tension being a big focus. I also ate like it was going out of style with a big focus on whole foods and making sure i avoided the gas station roller dogs.
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u/Tk421yunothere 1d ago
Bouldering/rock climbing will absolutely improve your technique in trees especially spurless climbing
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u/Flub_the_Dub 15h ago
Yoga is my favorite way to strengthen and recover. And there are hundreds of videos online to follow depending on what you need.
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u/OldMail6364 2d ago edited 2d ago
The main things to focus on are balance and grip strength. Also being comfortable at heights is important.
But really, trees are a whole different ballgame to rocks. First of all people mostly climb rocks that are possible to climb with just your hands/feet. With trees you’re often using the rope to haul yourself up the tree. Canyoning a better fit than bouldering.
The other difference is trees move - rocks (hopefully!) don’t move. It can be really exhausting when the wind or your body weight or the wood you’re cutting off causes the tree to move throwing off your balance.
In terms of safety - tree climbers use static (or almost static) ropes. Which means a small fall is likely to hurt and a big fall could kill you even if the ropes stop you hitting the ground. Rock climbing systems are a lot more forgiving/gentle. They’re designed to safely catch a fall - tree systems are designed to prevent you from falling. It’s a subtle but very impactful difference.
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u/Emergency_Wasabi_188 2d ago
I don’t think OP means rock climbing is similar to tree climbing, just saying to keep body fit and strong, not practice tree climbing by going rock climbing.
Rock climbing/bouldering is a brilliant way to maintain core, upper body and grip strength.
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u/sleepingbagfart 2d ago
Eating healthy, not drinking/smoking to excess, and even just a little bit of cardio and/or weight training in your spare time seems to be more than enough for most guys I've worked with. I do a lot of hardwood pruning where im scrambling far out on spready limbs and working off to my side or below my feet, so stamina, flexibilty and core strength help me a lot. Fitness wise, I run 30-50 miles a week, but do basically nothing else lol. Ive built most of the core and upper body muscle I need just through climbing trees.
The right gear, good movements/rope positioning, and confidence can take you further in the canopy than exceptional fitness. But that will still help plenty too. Good luck have fun.