A Comparative Analysis of Training Techniques for Recreational Boulderer

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the most effective training methods for recreational bouldering athletes. There are many methods to use in preparation for bouldering. This study isolated four different groups of methods: Bouldering only (TMB), cross training (TMc), sport-specific exercises (TMs), and all of the above (TMBCS).;In order to determine the most effective training methods, this study compared the different training methods for bouldering with recreational bouldering athlete's maximum self-reported grade (MaxGr). This comparison was achieved through administration of an online survey. The study collected respondents training method, MaxGr, age, gender, bouldering experience, and bouldering frequency.;The results of the study show that training method had a statistically significant effect on MaxGr. TMs and TMBCS had a positive impact while TMB and TMc. Further analysis concluded that bouldering experience and bouldering frequency had a greater effect. Bouldering experience had a positive impact on MaxGr, but was limited to a maximum of 11+ years. The effect of bouldering frequency had a central tendency of 3-5 days per week.;It is hoped that this thesis will give coaches and athletes guidelines for designing appropriately periodized training programs for bouldering athletes.