Vertical Mind: Psychological Approaches for Optimal Rock Climbing

Not completely done with it yet but I love this book. It has been helpful in identifying both my good and bad mental habits, and giving me concrete tools to address them and improve! I've recommended it to several others, even athletes that are not rock climbers, to help them deal with their mental game. They've loved it too! Great job, Don and Jeff!

Didnt finish it. Starts off like someone was writing an essay and needed to meet a 1,000 word minimum limit (very repetitive) so I stopped reading it. Seems like I'll never learn the secrets of this book.

Absolutely fantastic book! This takes Arno Ilgner's concetps to a higher, more scientifically-based, level. McGrath and Elison beautifully combine science, psychology and a wealth of climbing experince to create a book that's not just entertaining to read, but will help you take your climbing to the next level. Whether you are a 5.7 or a 5.14 climber, stuck at a plateau or struggling to get past a self-imposed setback, this book gives you the tools and the science on why they will work when applied to re-engage and succeed. I have been climbing for over 15 years and this has been one of the best books that I have ever read on the subject. If you are looking to take your mastery to the next level, highly consider taking the time to read and apply the lessons learned from this book.

Fantastic book. I have been climbing for about five years and continue to improve. But I had not thought about the fact that I have more to learn than just physical improvement. The book covers so much. You can read it whenever you like, rest days, recovering from an injury, etc. I started reading it on an outdoor climbing trip and it was very beneficial. It covers so much I can't write in a review. I highly recommend it. It's not just about climbing, it also goes into how the mind works, which I find fascinating. Great book.

interesting

Bought this book for a climbing friend. He said it’s changing his game for the climbing mindset in the best way!

This one is destined to become a classic. Before reading it, I wasn't convinced that there was much to say about the subject that hadn't already been said in books like Performance Rock Climbing, How to Climb 5.12, The Rock Warrior's Way, etc. It turns out there was quite a bit.Usually, when someone offers advice, what they are really leading with is "be more like me". While that can be useful, it often doesn't translate to a richer understanding. Vertical Mind instead leads with "here's the current science of how our brains and our neural pathways work" and then proceeds to link the science with the authors' understanding of the climbing game, with a partial bias toward hard sport climbing. Whereas we have all (?) heard suggestions to take practice whippers, write down beta, climb with motivated partners, etc, this book explains in very simple terms the neurobiology behind why these habits can help, why other habits might hurt, and what we need to do as individuals when we recognize a need to change a habit.It's fascinating stuff. It applies to climbing, and to much more than that.

Super timely shipping and great book!

Actual actionable insights to climb harder since most of the time it's not a physical thing that prevents you from sending a new grade but rather mental barriers