Climbing While Aging: Insights from Steve McClure
As climbers age, many wonder if they can still push their limits or improve. For Steve McClure, the answer is clear: yes. In an interview with Lattice trainer Tom Randall, McClure shared how he stays strong and motivated in his 50s. Climbing while aging: insights from Steve McClureHis story proves that age doesn’t have to limit performance—if you train wisely and listen to your body.
Hardest Route at 46: Putting in the Work
McAt 46, McClure completed his hardest route. This shows that strength and skill can grow with age. He credits this success to volume training and dedication. He spends hours on the wall, fully committed to each challenge. Though his training hasn’t always been structured, his passion for routes keeps him progressing.
“I’ve mostly not done a lot of structured training,” McClure said. “I’ve always been driven by the passion of a problem or a route, and this has kept me training mainly on the wall.”
This offers a key lesson for climbers at any age. While structured training helps, loving the process is just as important. McClure’s joy in the challenge fuels his motivation, and that passion can keep others dedicated as they age.
Adapting Training as You Age: Power Endurance and Recovery
As McClure has aged, he’s seen changes in his climbing. Not all of them are negative. His flexibility from the waist down has lessened, possibly due to injury or lack of focus. However, his power endurance has improved. He can continue climbing while pumped, which is crucial for long and difficult routes.
Hangboarding has also improved with age. Though his flexibility isn’t what it once was, his finger strength remains strong, or even better.
“Getting older, I’ve seen I get better in power endurance,” McClure shared. “I can endure climbing while pumped and have also gotten better at hangboarding.”
McClure emphasizes recovery and body awareness. When aches appear, it’s essential to listen. He recommends taking a 30-minute break if discomfort arises. This helps prevent injury and ensures long-term health.
Training Smart: Balanced Workouts and Avoiding Overuse
McClure advises keeping balance in your training. While it’s tempting to focus only on projects or climbing-specific muscles, you need to work other muscle groups too. Ignoring them can lead to imbalances and overuse injuries. For McClure, finding the right balance between quality training and overexertion has been key.
“While projecting, don’t forget the other muscle groups,” he advised.
For climbers wanting to sustain or improve performance as they age, McClure stresses quality over quantity. Putting in hours won’t always bring results unless the work is focused and well-rounded.
The Road Ahead: Passion, Patience, and Persistence
McClure’s success as an aging climber comes down to dedication, passion, and adaptability. Whether it’s improving how he handles being pumped, building finger strength, or adjusting for age-related changes, McClure continues to progress in his 50s. His approach—driven by passion, guided by body awareness, and grounded in hard work—offers a model for climbers who want to keep improving with age.
For those wondering if climbing potential declines with age, McClure’s story proves that with the right mindset, training, and balance, you can still push boundaries. Put in the work and listen to your body, and the walls will remain open, no matter your age.