Modus Cafe: Conversations Beyond Climbing
Episodes
83. Strength Training Principles Every Climber Should Use
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s Podcast, Mercedes is joined by Steve Bechtel to discuss the two most important principles of strength training and how you can use them t...
82. Simplify Your Diet: Insights From Intermittent Fasting Studies
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mercedes break down a meta-study examining various fasting styles and their impact on body weight, while emphasizing the importance of simpl...
81. How Power Can Help You Climb V0 to V4 Easier!
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a V0 to V4 climber looking to improve, training power is crucial. Power helps express strength for big, cruxy moves and improves overall cli...
80. Mastering Training Consistency With These Two Strategies
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Modus Cafe, Mercedes shares two small changes that can help create lasting habits. She also covers how to identify personal values,...
79. The Best Method Of Cardio For Climbing
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Pride everyone! In this episode, Mercedes looks at cardio from a different angle. Join the discussion as she highlights the advantages of interv...
78. Single vs. Double Climbing Sessions For Better Performance
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In collaboration with Steve Bechtel @ClimbStrongTV, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses a research study comparing single versus double training sessions for...
77. How Injuries Made Me A Better Climber
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
(Trigger Warning/TW: suicidal ideations) In this conversation, Mercedes Pollmeier shares her personal experiences with injuries as a climber, specific...
76. I Wore A Glucose Monitor For A Month: Here's 5 Things I learned
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mercedes Pollmeier shares some research and personal experience from wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor for a month! Take a clos...
75. How Many Tries Should You Give a Climb?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the strategy and art of projecting (even for those who avoid it), while also addressing common q...
74. Not Just Pull-Ups: The Exercises Climbers Should Train First
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The focus of today's episode with Mercedes Pollmeier is to get you familiar with the starting point of strength training for your climbing journey. Sh...
73. How Many Times Should You REALLY Train Climbing Per Week?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the optimal training frequency for climbers of all levels, emphasizing the importance of balancing climb...
72. Breaking Down Research: Improve Your Pull-Up With Instability Training
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier and Steve Bechtel explore a research study that challenges traditional views on strength and endurance training. T...
71. Avoiding the Nutritional Pitfalls That Hold Climbers Back
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey climbers, listen up! In today's episode Mercedes Pollmeier and Clinical Nutritionist, Amanda Fitt, discuss nutrition pitfalls that hold climbers b...
70. Old Time Strongman Secrets: Flexibility & Lifting
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode features Mercedes with guest Lucas Aaron from Range of Strength. We're excited to discuss the evolution of flexibility training, the s...
69. Avoid the 6-Week Program Trap: The Real Length of Effective Climbing Training
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have Steve Bechtel here to talk with Mercedes about "periodization" (program length). And super sorry friends, I used the wrong mic for this ...
68. Mastering Climbing Movement: Insights from Coach Juliet Hammer
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier interviews climbing coach Juliet Hammer, exploring the intricacies of movement in climbing. They discuss the defin...
67. What Do I Need to Work On? Building Consistency in Movement Practice with Ryan Hurst
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome special guest, friend and mentor: Ryan Hurst! He is a part of GMB which is an online bodyweight training & movement training company. Toda...
66. How Hard Should Hangbaording Feel?
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk Hangboarding! This is Part 3 in the Auto-Regulation and RPE conversation. (Check out Parts 1 and 2 to get more familiar with RPE, auto-regu...
65. Why RPE Training Makes You a Better Climber?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is Part 2 of 3 in the RPE series. If you haven't listened to Part 1, do that now & come back here for more. We're continuing on the journey t...
64. Auto-Regulation & RPE - Training Smarter, Not Harder
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how hard to push in an exercise? Do you know if you're trying hard enough? What does "try hard" even mean? This is Part 1 of a 3 part seri...
63. How I had my best climbing season in Joshua Tree and other updates!
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mercedes shares some awesome updates, including her exciting new van purchase, her training journey over the past 12 weeks (following...
62. Plan Your Year Of Climbing Training For Peak Performance
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calling all intermediate and advanced climbers! Let's discuss the concept of periodization in climbing. Mercedes is here to explain how to effectively...
61. What's Holding You Back? Self-Assessments for Climbing Success
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wondering why you're straying from your training plan? Let's talk about the importance of assessments in climbing & how they can help you understa...
60. The 2025 Blueprint For Your Best Year Of Climbing
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let's kickstart the 2025 New Year with a blueprint for your best year of climbing! In this podcast, I emphasize the importance of setting personal goa...
59. Fear Of Falling - Why You Don't Need Mindset Work
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why you might not need mindset work around fear of falling. Katja is with us again on this episode to talk all about mindset and fear. She is passiona...
58. How To Build Finger Strength
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk building finger strength for beginner climbers. We're going to go over protocols and common practices so you can approach finger strength w...
57. Indoor Climbing Training Adventures, Making The Most of Your Winter Season
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I share actionable tips to make your winter climbing training fun and fresh. I love winter training & that's when I see measurable...
56. Recovery Rituals: How to Bounce Back Faster After Climbing Sessions
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I'm talking Recovery Techniques in the form of Recovery Rituals. These rituals will help you be more energetic, lower your risk of ...
55. Aging and Climbing
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today let's redefine "old age" when it comes to climbing. We love busting some myths! It's so inspiring to see "older" people climb and find JOY while...
54. One Year Podcast Anniversary
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy 1 Year Podcast Anniversary! At Modus, Mercedes is celebrating 5 years since starting this business and Katja is celebrating 3 years since joinin...
53. 5 Time Saving Tips for Projecting Sport Climbs
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our time is valuable! To help you make the most of your sessions, we have 5 Time Saving Tips for projecting sport climbs. These tips are targeted towa...
52. 5 Tips for Projecting Boulders
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's time-saving episode is about the TOP 5 Time-Saving Tips for Projecting Outside! (Don't fret, you can use these for indoor bouldering too). If ...
51. How To Increase Climbing Capacity
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about how to increase climbing capacity for longer days outside. This was a member question that we touched on in our Q&A epis...
50. Climbing Training Member Interview: Comps, Training, Everyday Climbing Hero
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We believe in redefining training - it's not just for hardcore athletes, it's for everybody. Join Katja today for another episode of "normal people wh...
49. Listener Q&A + Climbing Training Membership
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're answering our listener's questions! Also, it's OPEN ENROLLMENT for our Climbing Training Membership! The Modus motto "Strong, Healthy Huma...
48. How To Create A Climbing Training Plan with Steve Bechtel
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're at the end of the training series with Steve Bechtel. Today we put our training knowledge together and talk about how to create your own trainin...
47. What do smoothies and good climbing training programs have in common?
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do good training plans and good smoothies have in common? Katja is on fire with this analogy! First we ask: what is training? What do you think o...
46. What to Expect from Climbing Coaching
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we're going to talk about what you can expect from climbing coaching, specifically with us at Modus! Curious about one-on-one coach...
45. Climbing Training Board Tips For Beginners
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a beginner to board climbing? This Part 2 episode is for you! We're going over the top tips to get you started on a training board. Katja and ...
44. How To Optimize Performance Climbing with Steve Bechtel
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're discussing performance climbing with Steve Bechtel today! Seems straightforward, but there can be some confusion about what you can actually ach...
43. Gym Climbing vs. Training Boards
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have some fun with us in today's episode and let's discuss differences between board climbing and gym climbing. The advantages, disadvantages, and how...
42. Injury, Recovery, and the In-Between
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode of Modus Cafe, I get vulnerable about my struggle through an elbow injury. Recovery was about two years which is the longest reco...
41. Use Climbing Pyramids To Optimize Your Training
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're discussing the advantages and disadvantages of pyramids in climbing training, when to use them, and why. This training tool helps climber...
40. Why recovery should be part of your training plans | Steve Bechtel
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with Steve Bechtel! At Modus we say, "Recover as hard as you train!" Today we emphasize the crucial role of recovery in training and climbi...
39. Which Rep Range To Use For Strength Training
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about strength training! What does that mean in terms of reps? What about intensity? Join us in today's episode to learn the science behind...
38. Deadlifting: Why It's The Most Efficient Exercise
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deadlifting can be overwhelming and complicated to learn, but once you have the technique dialed in, this exercise can greatly improve the strength an...
37. How To Train Power Endurance | Steve Bechtel
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing on this training series with Steve Bechtel, we cover power endurance. This energy system is the sexy one, the one that everyone wants to t...
36. Climbing Nutrition Misconceptions | Amanda Fitt
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Amanda Fit joins us to chat nutrition for climbers. Nutrition is always a difficult topic because it's so heavily based on indi...
35. Aging And The Joys Of Climbing Coaching | It's Mercedes' Birthday!
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's Mercedes' birthday! In this episode, coach Katja asks Mercedes about more personal questions and what it's like being a coach. This is a great on...
34. Is Outdoor Climbing Harder Than Indoors?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you switch from indoor to outdoor climbing, your approach will likely change. Most people "feel" that outdoor climbing is harder. Climbers someti...
33. How To Train Climbing Power | Steve Bechtel Training Series
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel slow or static on most climbing moves or steer clear of dynamic moves? It might be a telltale sign of insufficient power if you're avoidin...
32. Why we choose NOT to climb hard
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't have to project or climb your limit to climb hard in your sessions. In this podcast, we redefine what trying hard means, and it looks differ...
31. The Everyday Climbing Hero - Special Guest Alissa DeBernardo
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our special guest today shares her experience as a mom, training with little time, while in her fifties! She is seeing progress and finds joy in her t...
30. Two Climbing Drills For maximum Impovement
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At Modus, we love drills, and we do many of them! But we thought we would share two drills that are our favorite and our go-tos if you have minimal ti...
29. Specific Climbing Training | Steve Bechtel Training Series
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Coach Merc & Katja from Modus Athletica and climbing coach Steve Bechtel from Climb Strong in an in-depth conversation on Specific Training f...
28. Identifying Your Ego In Climbing | How It Holds You Back
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are subtle ways our ego can creep into our climbing sessions, especially when we are in "training" mode. This podcast discusses signs of ego, ho...
27. Belonging In Climbing Spaces
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like you don't belong in climbing spaces? Or maybe you don't quite feel like a "climber" yet? This episode explores cultural reasons ...
26. Climbing Training Burnout | Strategies For Success
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you ever feel heavy, like you're walking through mud with your training, or even having a hard time showing up at the gym, it could mean you are su...
25. Building a Stronger Climber | Steve Bechtel Training Series
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here is the second episode in our training series with Steve Bechtel. We discuss the importance of general strength training for climbers as well as a...
24. How To Get Your First Pull Up
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Modus Cafe, Mercedes discusses the benefits of developing pull-up strength for climbers and non-climbers. She also covers the essen...
23. Reframing Climbing Failure
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the impact of failure in the context of climbing. Failure is part of our beautiful sport, and as climbing coaches, we ofte...
22. The Long Haul: Transforming Climbing Training Into A Lifestyle
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode embraces long-term, consistent training as a transformative lifestyle choice. Discover why dedicating a minimum of three months to traini...
21. How To Train Climbing Endurance | Steve Bechtel Training Series
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this limited series, we welcome Steve Bechtel from Climb Strong to discuss the main facets of climbing training. We'll cover Endurance, Strength, P...
20. Are Climbing Grades Really That Useful?
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we talked about the subjective nature of climbing grades. We question the reliability of the grading system, highlighting the...
19. Athletic Longevity - Invest in yourself Now
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Healthy humans make healthy climbers. At Modus, this is our focus when we train our athletes. Our goal is to help athletes feel good, and perform well...
18. Are You Stuck In A Plateau? Here's How To Overcome It
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A plateau might not be what you think it is, but no matter what the definition is, if you feel stuck where you are at right now in your climbing, this...
17. My Climbing Transformation | Katja's Story
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Modus Coach Katja shares how she went from wanting to break into V6 to sending many V6's and climbing V7's in about 12 weeks working with Mercedes in ...
16. Two Opportunities To Recover For Climbing
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we got a little personal and talked briefly about what it was like living in Germany, and recent travels Mercedes did. Then, we dove ...
15. Effective Warm-Ups For Specific Climbing Sessions
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warming up is more than just increasing blood flow to your muscles. We cover some lesser-known topics and reasons for warming up. We even go into how ...
14. Strength Training For Every BODY | How To Tailor Strength Training To Your Needs
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we talk about the importance of strength training for climbers, and cover in-depth the 5 fundamental movement patterns that you shoul...
13. Benefits Of Strength Training
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At Modus, we LOVE strength training, and we program it for all of our clients and members. To explain further why we do this, we decided to do a serie...
12. Resting Tactics On The Wall For Sport Climbing
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to optimize your resting tactics and skills to stay on the wall longer. Resting on the wall is a skill; we cover the best way to start pract...
11. One Key Element To Climbing Training: Consistency
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need a fancy training program to get better at climbing. But what you do need is consistency. In this podcast, we cover tips on being more c...
10. More About Our Training Membership
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about everything you can expect from our climbing training membership. Training can be overwhelming, if you're new or even if...
9. Successful Goal Setting For Next Year's Climbing
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Goals setting doesn't have to be an overwhelming or complex thing to do. New Year's resolutions also get a bad wrap. So in this episode, we are going ...
8. Four Breathing Techniques For Better Climbing
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, Katja covers 4 breathing techniques you can add to your training or projecting days to see a change in energy and performance. The...
7. Bad Habits To Avoid When Starting Training
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are many misconceptions about climbing training, especially if you are new to training. Some misconceptions are that you will automatically deve...
6. How to prepare yourself for your first session of training
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Starting a training program can feel very overwhelming for a new trainee. You might feel very excited and overwhelmed at the same time. New trainees a...
5. Beginner Hangboarding; Here's How To Start
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Generally, there needs to be more education around hangboarding, if beginners should hangboard, and how to approach hangboarding if you're new to trai...
4. When Should You Start Training?
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast revolves around reframing "When should I start training?" to "When is an optimal time to start training?" It also delves into the concept...
2. The Benefits Of Bar Hangs For Climbers
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is such a simple exercise that derives huge benefits for climbers. It's also a great way to develop the tissues for pulling, climbing, and hangbo...
3. Fear In Relation To Confidence
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we redefine what fear is, how fear helps us, how it can hold us back, and the top two tips of how to manage fear in climbing. Join our...
1. Five Simple Ways To Improve Your Training Session
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We share 5 simple tactics to improve your next climbing session. If you feel tired, sore, have low motivation, or maybe you're just looking for a good...