How to Train for Outdoor Climbs at an Indoor Rock Gym

Whether you're prepping for a weekend trip to or dreaming of the epic walls at Red River Gorge, your training can begin right here at Approach. Indoor climbing isn’t just for rainy days—it’s the perfect launchpad for your outdoor climbing goals. With a bit of strategy and a lot of grit, you can turn plastic holds into powerful preparation for real rock. This is literally how we define ourselves- the training ground for the real deal.

Ditch the Grade Chasing

We hate to burst your bubble, but your grade at the gym means nothing outdoors. A V5 indoors might feel like a V2 outside—or vice versa—depending on the rock, your style, and your mindset. Instead of chasing grades, focus on climbing everything in the gym. Every wall. Every angle. Every weirdly set route leaves your arms feeling like spaghetti.

Try gym routes that emphasize sequencing and problem-solving. Real rock won’t be color-coded, and you’ll often be thrown off by unusual moves. Climb that crimpy traverse everyone avoids. Do it in reverse. Make up your own problems. Treat the wall like your personal obstacle course and seek out the uncomfortable.

Nail Down Your Footwork

Here’s a secret: outdoor climbing is 80% footwork and 20% not freaking out when your foot slips. Most indoor climbers rely too heavily on upper body strength and forget their feet even exist.

Start practicing silent climbing—aim to place your feet without making a sound. If you hear a thud, try again. Do drills where you place your toe on the same spot five times in a row. Precision and quiet feet can make or break a climb when the holds are real rock and not plastic jugs.

Add Chaos to Your Training

Sure, strength matters—but so does balanced body movement. Train like you're preparing for the unexpected. Practice weight shifting, leg flagging, and stabilizing in strange positions. Hang upside down to simulate disorienting moves. Walk a slackline to improve balance and coordination.

Add movement drills to your gym sessions: try climbing using only your left foot, or just your right hand. Wear a weight vest, climb, then take it off and feel the difference. These routines don’t just make you stronger—they train your body to adapt on the fly.

Build Mental Toughness

Climbing outdoors is a different mental game. In the gym, you’ve got soft pads, color-coded routes, and ideal lighting. Outside? Holds can break, weather can shift, and trails can throw surprises at you.

Start preparing mentally by visualizing your climbs before you start. Close your eyes and run through the movements. Think about what could go wrong—and how you’ll react. Practice safe, controlled falls until it becomes second nature.

Push your comfort zone: climb under a headlamp, try highballs with proper spotting and pads, and get used to discomfort. This mental training is key for staying calm and confident outdoors.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Real climbing isn’t always pretty. You’ll grunt up chimneys, wedge into cracks, smear across slabs, and battle routes that feel like interpretive dance. And that’s the good stuff.

Seek out gym climbs that look awkward or feel unpleasant. Skip the Insta-friendly overhangs and climb routes that challenge your patience. Try underhang slopers, slabby face climbs, and anything that burns your calves. These experiences build the muscle memory and adaptability you’ll need outside.

Train Indoors, Climb Anywhere

Your indoor gym isn’t Yosemite—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, some creativity, and plenty of stoke, Approach can prepare you for whatever nature throws at you.

Want to level up your skills before hitting the real rock? Check out our climbing classes or talk to our team about local outdoor spots and how to train for them. We’re here to help you climb stronger, smarter, and farther—indoors and beyond.

Approach Climbing Gym

Premier Indoor Climbing Gym in Omaha, NE

Looking for the best indoor rock climbing experience in Omaha? Approach Climbing Gym is a full-service climbing facility offering bouldering, top rope, lead climbing, and classes for all skill levels. We provide expert instruction, group events, and youth programs. Contact us.