Why Every Climber Should Film Their Sessions: Technique, Progress & More
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You’ve probably seen climbers setting up phones at the gym or the crag; not just for show, but for something much more powerful: improvement. Filming your climbing isn’t just about capturing a send for Instagram (although that’s a bonus); it’s a proven tool for developing better technique, building self-awareness, and tracking progress over time.
1. Boost Technique Through Visual Feedback
Sports science backs up what many climbers already know intuitively: watching yourself move helps you move better. A 2014 study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that video feedback significantly improved motor skill acquisition in complex tasks, particularly when paired with self-reflection or expert analysis [1].
When you watch your own footage, you can:
- Notice overgripping or poor body positioning
- Spot inefficient movement patterns
- Compare attempts and identify what worked (and what didn’t)
Climbing is a movement-based sport that heavily relies on body awareness, and visual feedback is one of the most effective ways to sharpen it.
2. Track Your Progress Objectively
Sometimes, it’s hard to see how far you’ve come. Filming gives you a visual timeline of your progression, from flailing on warm-ups to floating up your first black-grade climb. This kind of documentation can boost motivation and give you a sense of purpose in your training.
It also provides hard evidence of improvements in technique, mobility, and confidence over time, especially useful when you feel stuck or plateaued.
3. Improve Focus and Accountability
Knowing you’re filming yourself can enhance focus and performance — a phenomenon known as the “observer effect.” A 2016 study in Journal of Sports Sciences noted that self-monitoring (e.g., filming) can help athletes better regulate effort and performance by increasing awareness and intentionality in training [2].
4. Share & Inspire
Let’s not ignore the fun part: filming lets you share your journey. Posting your projects and sends on social media can:
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Celebrate your hard work
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Inspire others in the community
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Spark helpful feedback from fellow climbers
Plus, if you're a coach or training-focused climber, it’s a valuable way to build your personal brand.
Pro Tip: The Boulda Trihangle includes a phone holder to make filming easy wherever you train or climb. No awkward stacks of crash pads, shoes or bottles needed.
Whether you’re chasing your next grade or just refining your toe-hook game, filming is a simple, powerful tool that every climber should be using.
References
[1] Carson, H.J., et al. (2014). The effectiveness of video feedback on performance: A meta-analytic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15(5), 593–601.
[2] Gernigon, C., et al. (2016). Effects of self-monitoring on performance and technique in sports. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(15), 1406–1413.