is your experience of motion or movement.

Climbing is an intricate dance with , a physical challenge deeply rooted in fundamental physics principles. Understanding and applying concepts of , , , , and is essential for efficiency, power, and safety on the .

The most significant force a climber battles is , which pulls their body mass downward toward the center of the earth. To ascend, a climber must exert a greater upward force to overcome their weight. This is where comes into play: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a climber pushes against a foothold or pulls on a handhold, the hold pushes back with an equal force, allowing the climber to move. The application of muscle force is critical, particularly in the finger flexors and upper body, to maintain grip and propel upward. Friction is also a vital force, a climber's "best friend," that provides the necessary grip for shoes and hands on the rock surface, preventing slips. Climbers maximize this force by applying pressure onto holds or using chalk to improve the coefficient of friction.

and

Acceleration, the rate of change of velocity, is directly proportional to the net force applied (Newton's second law: Force = mass × acceleration). In climbing, speed and acceleration are carefully managed. Static movements involve slow, controlled motions with low acceleration, conserving energy and maintaining balance. Conversely, dynamic movements, or "dynos," require rapid, powerful acceleration to generate enough speed and momentum to reach distant holds. Elite climbers can apply force quickly, allowing them to make fast, explosive movements.

is the study of motion without considering the forces involved, focusing on paths, velocity, and position. In climbing, the primary goal is often to move the center of gravity (COG) as efficiently as possible toward the next hold. Elite climbers exhibit highly efficient kinematics, characterized by smooth, fluid movements and a minimized path of their COG. Jerky or disorganized movements result in energy loss and wasted effort. Maintaining a consistent vertical velocity and minimizing unnecessary lateral or perpendicular movements to the wall is a sign of good technique. Body positioning and maintaining three points of contact are all kinematic strategies to keep the COG optimally positioned over the base of support.

, the product of mass and velocity (p = mv), is a crucial concept in dynamic climbing. Climbers intentionally generate momentum in moves like dynos to reach holds that would be impossible with static strength alone. In these cases, the energy from the lower body is transferred into the upward motion. However, managing this momentum is just as important as creating it. When a moving climber grabs a hold, the change in momentum (impulse) results in an impact force on the hands and arms. Skilled climbers can "catch" the hold smoothly (at the deadpoint, where vertical velocity is zero) to minimize this impact force and conserve energy, avoiding hard, jarring stops that place excessive strain on their bodies. The ability to control and redirect momentum is a hallmark of efficient climbing.

---

🛠