POPULARITY
(Trigger Warning/TW: suicidal ideations) In this conversation, Mercedes Pollmeier shares her personal experiences with injuries as a climber, specifically her most recent elbow injury, discussing the mental and physical challenges she faced during recovery. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and finding opportunities for growth during setbacks. Using her journey and experience as a guide, she provides practical mental and physical tips for managing injuries. Have you experienced a climbing injury? We'd love to hear from you in the comments! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass Shout OutsUnion Physical Therapy: https://unionpt.com/ Movemend Rehab & Training: https://movemend.info/ 00:02:05 Intro and disclaimer/trigger warning 00:03:05 Best advice possible 00:04:08 (TW) The mental side of injuries & Mercedes' personal injury story 00:22:50 Practical tip #1 (after Best advice possible) on how to use injury as a means to opportunity: Finding Acceptance 00:25:12 Practical tip #2 Trusting the process 00:25:29 Practical tip #3 Finding gratitude 00:26:20 Practical tip #4 Treat pain as a signal & consult with a PT or coach 00:28:13 Practical tip #5 Take a look at the long-term view 00:30:05 Physical training tips
In today's episode, Mercedes Pollmeier shares some research and personal experience from wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor for a month! Take a closer look together at health, climbing performance, energy regulation, and eating habits. Mercedes talks functionality, benefits, and how a CGM can be used as a self-improvement tool. Hear about her journey, how it helped her understand her body's response to food and exercise, optimize her nutrition, and improve her overall well-being. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:01:05 Why I wore a CGM 00:02:01 What are CGMs and how do they work 00:08:58 What happens in your body when your glucose rises 00:12:07 Why use a CGM if you don't have diabetes 00:17:54 How can a CGM help your climbing performance 00:31:13 Common questions about CGMs
In this podcast episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the strategy and art of projecting (even for those who avoid it), while also addressing common questions and mental barriers climbers face. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, the benefits of multiple attempts, and how to approach failure as a learning opportunity. Stick around to hear some practical tips for effective projecting, knowing when to move on from a climb, and the potential pitfalls of over-projecting. Leave with the encouragement to embrace curiosity and a beginner's mindset. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:01:30 Framing the question: How many attempts should you give a climb? 00:06:14 Reframing the word "failure" 00:08:25 What is a "good" attempt? 00:14:23 Benefits of giving a climb multiple attempts 00:17:43 Thoughts on Projecting 00:20:15 When should you move on from a project? 00:22:48 Pitfalls of projecting 00:25:49 Final thoughts
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. She discusses the top injuries of climbers and why they may happen. Build body awareness by learning which muscles are engaged while climbing, and also learn how to properly press, pull, hinge, squat, and let's not forget your core. Mercedes is here to drop the knowledge about what to prioritize for strength training, while improving mobility and reducing risk of injury. Leave a comment below about what you've noticed in your strength training & how it's shown up in your climbing! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:00:32 Common climbing injuries 00:03:08 Climbing Technique 00:05:25 Cause of Injury 00:06:44 Engaged muscles00:09:17 What should we prioritize 00:13:32 Strength exercises 00:21:22 Recap 00:22:52 A question for YOU Here's the Research Study: Grønhaug, Gudmund. “Self-reported chronic injuries in climbing: who gets injured when?.” BMJ open sport & exercise medicine vol. 4,1 e000406. 17 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000406
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses the optimal training frequency for climbers of all levels, emphasizing the importance of balancing climbing, strength training, and cardio. If you need practical tips on where to start, let Mercedes guide you on how to structure a weekly training plan, focusing on deliberate practice and consistency, and skill development to enhance your climbing performance. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:00:47 "How often should I be climbing?" 00:03:50 What it takes to learn a skill like climbing 00:10:48 "How many days a week should I be climbing?" 00:14:25 "How often should I be lifting (to support my climbing)?" 00:17:07 "How often should I do cardio to support my fitness to get to my climbing destination?" 00:20:05 Overview & putting it together 00:21:18 Fuel, warm-up, re-assess as needed
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier and Steve Bechtel explore a research study that challenges traditional views on strength and endurance training. They discuss the implications of instability training, its effects on performance, and practical applications for climbers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rethinking training methods to enhance strength and endurance without the need for heavy lifting. Join us in the conversation and leave a comment below! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:2:25 Intro to study 00:7:53 Unstable training 00:13:20 Practical tips for unstable training 00:16:17 How to integrate it in your training 00:19:13 Training endurance through strength 00:23:27 Conclusion from study 00:25:44 Lower body exercise Research Study: Li Q, Yan J, Qiao M, Quan J, Chen Y, Gong M, Niu W, Wang L. Eight-week lat pull-down resistance training with joint instability leads to superior pull-up endurance performance and reduced antagonist coactivation in recreationally active male college students. Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Jan;25(1):e12243. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12243. PMID: 39716392; PMCID: PMC11667758.
Hey climbers, listen up! In today's episode Mercedes Pollmeier and Clinical Nutritionist, Amanda Fitt, discuss nutrition pitfalls that hold climbers back. If you're a Modus Training member, you're familiar with Amanda as our nutrition expert and the important and valuable workshops that take place in the membership! We jump right in with the most common nutrition mistake, then we explore myths of fasting, and the critical roles of carbohydrates and hydration. Don't miss the practical tips for climbers to optimize your nutrition for better performance and recovery. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass Find Amanda on IG: @purely_nourished 00:1:55 Most common pitfall 00:3:23 Length of session & fueling 00:7:16 "Didn't do much" in a session 00:10:54 Fasted training 00:17:26 Protein in the morning 00:20:59 Tips for busy professionals - evening sessions 00:23:10 When to eat when feeling sluggish 00:24:57 When to take a bite 00:26:49 Common symptoms in a session related to fueling 00:29:37 Fear of carbs and performance 00:36:32 Simple carbs 00:41:00 Hydration
In this episode, Mercedes Pollmeier interviews climbing coach Juliet Hammer, exploring the intricacies of movement in climbing. They discuss the definition of movement, the importance of coaching techniques, and the role of exploration in learning. Juliet shares insights on problem solving via remote coaching, measuring progress, common mistakes climbers make, and personal growth in her own climbing. Juliet answers some great Member Listener Questions too! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offers/C5hDL5aq If you'd like to work one-on-one with me, visit my website for more details https://www.modusathletica.com/coaching Intro To Training Masterclass is free way to work with me: https://www.modusathletica.com/masterclass 00:01:05 Juliet Intro 00:04:29 Define movement 00:05:15 How to introduce movement to training 00:10:31 How Juliet coaches movement 00:17:15 Mercedes & Juliet explore coaching techniques 00:19:00 Remote coaching: how to help problem solving 00:24:33 Basic Movement Mechanics 00:30:10 How Juliet helps clients measure progress in climbing 00:36:45 Common mistakes climbers can make in technique/movement 00:39:45 Member Listener Questions: choosing projects, balancing progress, coaching challenges, overcoming climbing challenges at 5' height, go-to hangboard routine, which climbers have great movement
Show Notes:Mercedes's Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MercedesPollmeierWebsite: https://www.modusathletica.com/Modus Cafe Podcast: https://www.modusathletica.com/podcasts/modus-cafe-conversations-beyond-climbingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/modusathletica/Simple Strength book: https://amzn.to/3LppunKPeak Nutrition Book: https://amzn.to/3zJIWchEpisode Intro:Dear listeners of the Female Guides Requested Podcast. Happy Wednesday and welcome to another fantastic episode. I'm your host Ting Ting from Las Vegas and today's guest is Mercedes Pollmeier. I got in contact with her because we're both connected to the organization Climbers of Color. She offers classes to teach people on how to boulder outside safely and also helps them with their performance goals.Mercedes is a seasoned climbing coach and founder of Modus Athletica. She has a Master's Degree in Human Movement and Sports Conditioning and holds certifications in NSCA strength and conditioning, Precision Nutrition, and GMB training. She is also a former semi-pro tennis player and competition climber.Her approach to coaching is grounded in experience and fueled by a commitment to fostering a vibrant community culture within Modus Athletica. She believes that climbing is more than just a physical challenge; it's an enriching journey that reveals our true potential, thus she offers a holistic approach to climbing training that prioritizes longevity, health, and personal growth.I had so much fun interviewing Mercedes. I got to ask many questions about guiding bouldering and explored many aspects on learning and teaching movements. I even got to ask some self-serving questions about how to train when my guiding schedule gets crazily packed. Mercedes really cares about what she does and invests deeply in things she is passionate about. If you are a climber who is looking to enhance your performance while nurturing your well-being, check out Modus Athletica. Now please enjoy this episode with Mercedes!Things We Talked about:What is like guiding bouldering outside?Mercedes Bouldering I & II curricula – safety, warm-ups, climbing, ethics, resting, project tactics, video reviewsCoaching movements online?Some common issues – foot precision, extension, rotate, dynamic movementsBeing intentional is importantGive people a path to self correctBig categories such as do they trust their positions? Their mindsetsHow to manage frustrationBridge inside climbing and outside climbingRethink gradingMovement is movement, think about global movementsLearn a variety of movements help problem solving outsideAt the end of the day, ask “do you like to climb?”Outside climbing tends to be more static and controlled since the risk is higherWhat do outside and inside climbing share in common?And More...
In this episode I talk about the learnings from the last interview I did with Mercedes Pollmeier. Mercedes finds the most value in a workout with both strength and flexibility. One of her favorite examples of this is lifting and stretching together. That really was an amazing concept not just because it is an added benefit to your lift, but because it let me do something I value alongside something I don't prioritize and often procrastinate doing. I thought how can I prioritize other activities and I came up with a few concepts of my own; adding mobility into my core, knee-specific strength, and being proactive about weaknesses. In the second part of the episode, I go into racing and setting goals that will promote improvement in specific techniques you personally need to work on. Ultimately making you a better racer and also hopefully enjoying the race more too. My examples are all running-based here but I am hoping you can apply these ideas to whatever activities you're working on. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jacalyn-gross/support
The guest today, Mercedes Pollmeier, has experience training at a high level and training high-level people. I was drawn into her story, because of the controlled movement videos on her Instagram account @Modusathletica. Mercedes breaks down movement to a comical level at certain points. As someone finding climbing later in life, it was helpful to learn proper warmups. As a runner with very poor balance and a tendency to just push through things. She gave me a different perspective and I found her training videos helpful for the body awareness, I was ignoring. Just simplify running to taking a single step. Now, remove momentum. Do you think you could make every movement? Finding those weaknesses really redefines strength and that's what Mercedes focuses on. Website: https://www.modusathletica.com/ Books PEAK NUTRITION - Smart Fuel for Outdoor Adventure by Maria Hines & Mercedes Pollmeier THE OUTDOOR ATHLETE GUIDE Simple Strength by Mercedes Pollmeier I have also found a few apps and great sources along the way. I am not being sponsored by any of these apps or people I am going to discuss. Just speaking merely from personal experience. Alo Moves app Playbook - Sally Mcrae @Meg_Takacs Dr. Anh Bui @runresilientlydpt Amazing Guest: Mercedes Pollmeier Host: Jacalyn Gross Producer: Jeremy Canaria & Jacalyn Gross Editor: Jacalyn Gross & Jeremy Canaria www.ursportswear.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jacalyn-gross/support
This is a teaser of a follow-up call with Mercedes Pollmeier. I asked for clarifications about the J-Curl and passive stretching, and we tackled Patron questions about individual bony morphology, improving the back bridge, when and how to stretch the hamstrings, whether it is ever too late to begin training flexibility, and Mercedes made a case for why flexibility training is as important as strength training for athletes. You can support the podcast and get access to follow-up conversations for $5 per month on Patreon at patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing. The full version of this follow-up call is 1:20:32.
Mercedes Pollmeier is a climbing coach with a master’s in human movement. We discussed key stretches for climbers, how to warm up for a limit session, whether or not static stretching reduces power, how to improve your flexibility in 6 minutes per day, and “food rules” from her recent book, Peak Nutrition.Support on Patreon: patreon.com/thenuggetclimbing Show Notes: http://thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/mercedes-pollmeierNuggets:5:14 – Wind and head colds8:29 – Mercedes trip to Red Rocks, and focusing on recovering 9:44 – Resting after a trip, deloading, and blood flow restriction (BFR) training13:30 – More about BFR and what it is used for22:34 – Mercedes background, current coaching practice, and programs25:12 – Masters in human movement 26:54 – How we learn to move better29:43 – Terminology: “mobility” and “flexibility”37:18 – Mobility prep/warmup for a climbing session40:51 – Warmup duration, and static stretching before climbing 48:14 – Appropriate intensity of warmup stretches49:59 – Breathing during stretching51:39 – Other warmup stretches54:52 – Side split, front split, and back bridge57:36 – Cycling flexibility and strength training, and variability1:01:47 – An example strength cycle, and changing accessory exercises1:04:29 – Flexibility as a skill, and where to start1:08:07 – Jefferson Curl (J-Curl)1:17:33 – Programming flexibility1:24:03 – Daily passive stretching/limbering session1:31:41 – Minimalist approach to the Side Spits in (6-minutes per day) 1:36:43 – Elevating hips and scaling flexibility exercises1:42:54 – How to fit flexibility in around other training1:47:36 – Time of day to stretch 1:50:08 – Does tightness make us stronger?1:53:27 – Calf stretching1:57:17 – Building strength in end ranges1:58:20 – Mercedes nutrition book: Peak Nutrition2:03:08 – Mercedes “food rules” (eat slow and eat until 80% full, and hydration)2:05:51 – How to connect with Mercedes2:07:16 – Gratitude
In this episode, Chef Maria Hines shared her journey to the culinary arts and the impact COVID-19 has had on her career. A James Beard Award-winner for Best Chef Northwest, Maria Hines' commitment to seasonal, local, and certified organic is unwavering. She blended this commitment with her high standards for impeccable service at Tilth Restaurant and Tilth Catering. Opened in 2006-2020. Tilth was named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the country by Frank Bruni of the New York Times. Maria Hines was named one of Food & Wine magazine's 10 Best New Chefs and competed in “Top Chef Masters” before going on to win Food Network's “Iron Chef America: Battle of Pacific Cod.” Maria was also a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2013. Maria Hines has been in the food and beverage consulting for over 10 years now. Including companies like Microsoft, Seattle Pacific University, Pallino, and more. She does product development for retail food companies, along with business coaching for her clients. Peak Nutrition Cookbook, displays Maria Hines' connection to the idea that food is medicine. This comprehensive sport's nutrition cookbook, co-authored by Mercedes Pollmeier, is an in-depth, delicious cookbook focusing on foods that heal and increase mental and physical performance. Mazama Nutrition is Maria Hines' online nutrition coaching business, dedicated to applying her nutrition coaching certification, to help people live their best lives through healthy, nutritious, and delicious eating while living an active lifestyle. Maria's personal active lifestyle includes 20 years of rock climbing, running a couple of marathons, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. A leader in the restaurant and sustainability community, Maria Hines donates her time to such causes as James Beard Foundation sustainability programs, American Chef Corps, the Mountaineers, food equality for low-income families, and other food system advocacy and access. She is a founding member of Seattle Restaurant Week and previously served on the board for PCC Farmland Trust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mercedes runs Modus Athletica, online training for climbers to integrate range and strength training to climb better without even touching the wall. She's also an author of 2 books and has a passion for online business.
Mercedes Pollmeier (@modusathletica) is a strength and conditioning coach focused on helping climbers achieve their best strength, flexibility, and nutrition to climb harder. She is the author of two books, award-winning title Peak Nutrition, and self-published title Simple Strength. She owns her own online training business, Modus Athletica, and holds a Master's in Human Movement. In this conversation Mercedes shares her story of playing Division 1 tennis, climbing competitively, and discovering a generalist movement practice. She discusses her passion for supporting the climbing community's growth with strength and flexibility education and training. Mercedes and Kyle talk about the benefits of a generalist practice for specialists. And, Mercedes shares how her philosophies on training have changed and evolved since her first book.
The whole point of training is to get better at the stuff that really matters to you. But how do you actually structure your training to do that?The truth is that most people's workouts aren't all that aligned with what they actually care about. Maybe they used to be but as their personal priorities changed, momentum kept their workouts pretty much the same. Or maybe they're following a system some "expert" made that worked really well for the expert but isn't actually optimized for their goals.In this episode, GMB Head Coach Ryan Hurst is joined by Mercedes Pollmeier, certified GMB Trainer and founder of ModusAthletica, to help you make sure your training is supporting your real life, and not the other way around. They'll show you how aligning your training with your goals, values, and identity leads to better results with less stress.Episode transcript and additional notesSupport the show (https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmbshow/)
Mercedes Pollmeier talks about the importance of mobility work in climbing, and 5 technique drills she uses to improve climbing skills and strength.
Thundercling: A Super Awesome Rock Climbing Explosion Thunderpod
Besides a dog with a head like a bowling ball slobbering all over you, the first thing you notice when you walk into Dave Wahl's house is the copious amount of training and sports science books scattered about his kitchen and living room. Beyond being one of the preeminent climbing coaches and trainers working in the States today, Dave is a student of athletic movement and efficiency. Dave's been refining his coaching/training process since his early days working with Rob Pizem, before Piz was "Piz." He's lent his vast knowledge to climbing luminaries such as Daniel Woods, Chelsea Rude, Piz, Madeleine Sorkin, Mercedes Pollmeier, and a thousand other rock fondlers flashing your projects. Dave invited us into his Denver home to chat about his coaching philosophy, why a strong core may not be your limiting factor, how to mitigate persistent injuries like tendonitis and tendinosis, and why he thinks Chris Sharma is the finest raw talent to ever rope up...but Adam Ondra is the best climber in the world. Grab a Snickers bar (don't do that), do a thousand crunches (totally unnecessary), cycle through a couple laps on the campus board without warming up (strongly advise against), and let Dave take you on a journey to training enlightenment! Have a question, suggestion, pitch, or criticism? Drop us a line at thunderclingpodcast@gmail.com. We respond to every note we receive. Thanks to Ryne Doughty, as always, for the harmonious jams! Thanks for listening, gang. We'll be back in two weeks to assault and harass your ear holes!
Body Awareness Interview Details What is body awareness? Why it's important in climbing 3 best movements to train overall body awareness How body awareness is helpful in relationships How body awareness is helpful with nutrition Why that's all important for climbing New Podcast Series with Mercedes! I've talked with Mercedes Pollmeier on the podcast a couple times now (#1 and #2), she wrote an article for us, and she's our in-house online personal trainer for TrainingBeta. So knowing how knowledgeable she is and how easy she is to talk to, I wanted to make her a more constant presence on TrainingBeta. That's why we decided to begin a new podcast mini series together. We'll be talking every month or so about a different topic of climbing training. The talks will be shorter than a normal podcast: only about 20 minutes. They'll be a quick bite of information that will be usable and digestible that will hopefully help your training immediately. A Little More About Mercedes Mercedes is a Strength and Conditioning coach out of the Seattle Bouldering Project. She has a Master’s degree in Human Movement and works with climbers of all types and abilities, ranging from elite level/competition climbers to novice alpinists. Currently she works at the Seattle Bouldering Project with climbers and other athletes of all ability levels. She’s offering 1-month and 3-month online training programs to people who feel like they need a little more individualized help than our other climbing training programs can provide. She is detail oriented, very focused on proper form, and offers continuous support and feedback to her online clients via the Trainerize app.
About Mercedes Pollmeier This is my second interview with Mercedes Pollmeier, our in-house online climbing trainer here at TrainingBeta. She's a Strength and Conditioning coach out of the Seattle Bouldering Project. She has a Master’s degree in Human Movement and works with climbers of all types and abilities, ranging from elite level/competition climbers to novice alpinists. Currently she works at the Seattle Bouldering Project with climbers and other athletes of all ability levels. I wanted to ask Mercedes about her training philosophies, and how she trains people online in particular. She's offering 1-month and 3-month online training programs to people who feel like they need a little more individualized help than our other climbing training programs can provide. She is detail oriented, very focused on proper form, and offers continuous support and feedback to her online clients via the Trainerize app. Mercedes Pollmeier Interview Details Her climbing accomplishments and injuries she's overcome Biggest mistakes she made as a trainer in the beginning Her latest discovery about bouldering training Client case studies Why she doesn't believe in taking time off How her athletes stay injury-free What training with her online is like
About Mercedes Pollmeier This is an interview with Mercedes Pollmeier, a Strength and Conditioning coach out of Seattle, Washington. She has a Master's degree in Human Movement and started working with climbers of all abilities, including elite level/competition climbers, in Colorado. Currently she works at the Seattle Bouldering Project with climbers and other athletes of all ability levels. I wanted to ask Mercedes about her training philosophies, and how she trains intermediate climbers in particular. Also, if you detect an accent, it's Australian. She came to the States in the early 2000's and promptly got rid of her accent, which I find amazing, seeing as how I can't even lose my Wisconsin accent... What We Talked About 5.10 and 5.11 training What ARCing is and how to use it How to break into 5.11 or 5.12 Training for 5.11 vs 5.13 The most important lifts for a climber Her book on training, Simple Strength Mercedes Pollmeier Links Mercedes Pollmeier's website Mercedes' article on Quadrupedal Movements for Climbers Mercedes' book, Simple Strength, on Amazon Training videos by Mercedes Training Programs for You Check out our Route Climbing Training Program for route climbers of all abilities. Our other training programs: Training Programs Page.
Mercedes Pollmeier is the author of "Simple Strength: The Outdoor Athlete's Guide to Better Movement." She's a competitive climber with a whole lot of wisdom about how movement plays into climbing and other competitive sports. Support the show (https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmbshow/)