Steve and Mercedes break down a meta-study examining various fasting styles and their impact on body weight, while emphasizing the importance of simplicity and awareness. They share insights on intermittent fasting, the role of protein, and why you can't out-train a poor diet. Ideal for athletes and individuals seeking to improve their health and performance. An important note: Steve and Mercedes aren't saying that fasting is the correct form of dieting; instead, what you can learn from simplify...
Aug 14, 2025•39 min
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 climbing performance. Start training power and you will climb harder! 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: htt...
Aug 07, 2025•37 min
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, the significance of time management, and the effectiveness of actions leading to motivation (it's not the other way around!) Become more consistent and climb harder when you prioritize yourself! 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 m...
Jul 08, 2025•27 min
Happy Pride everyone! In this episode, Mercedes looks at cardio from a different angle. Join the discussion as she highlights the advantages of interval training, like Jeffing and jump training, as a versatile, efficient, and FUN training tool. Jump training is for all climbers, but Mercedes explains how some benefits are especially important for women. Don't miss how to integrate this simple tool into your climbing training & drop a comment below to share your experience! Access Fund - Prot...
Jun 10, 2025•27 min
In collaboration with Steve Bechtel @ClimbStrongTV, Mercedes Pollmeier discusses a research study comparing single versus double training sessions for endurance athletes, exploring its implications for climbers. They delve into the physiological responses to different training intensities, the importance of low-intensity workouts, and practical applications for climbers looking to enhance their training regimen. Today's episode emphasizes the need for climbers to consider their training volume a...
May 27, 2025•38 min
(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 experie...
May 20, 2025•38 min
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 Tr...
May 13, 2025•37 min
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 encoura...
May 08, 2025•27 min
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 red...
Apr 29, 2025•23 min
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/off...
Apr 23, 2025•23 min
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 thi...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min
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 cl...
Apr 08, 2025•49 min
Today's episode features Mercedes with guest Lucas Aaron from Range of Strength. We're excited to discuss the evolution of flexibility training, the significance of old time lifts, and the integration of strength and flexibility in training! We talk personal experiences, flexibility and rehab, and the mind-muscle connection. Of course, we relate this all to climbers! Join the conversation & drop a comment or question below! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://ww...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min
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 recording! But join us as we discuss the intricacies of training program design, focusing on periodization, individual goals, and the importance of measuring progress. We explore common mistakes regarding program length and expectations, and emphasize patience and consistency in training, including journaling to track progress. We're here to encour...
Mar 25, 2025•44 min
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 m...
Mar 18, 2025•52 min
Welcome special guest, friend and mentor: Ryan Hurst! He is a part of GMB which is an online bodyweight training & movement training company. Today, Mercedes and Ryan get the discussion going about movement. Learn about Ryan's background in movement and how he's made his whole life about it! They also talk about the role of movement from a personal perspective, simplifying training for longevity, mindfulness in movement and much more! Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special!...
Mar 11, 2025•44 min
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-regulation, and reps in reserve.) Hangboarding is one of the best ways to build finger strength. Mercedes is here to share strategies to help you understand what failure means in hangboarding, and what RPE you should be going for to get your fingers stronger. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www.modusathletica.com/offer...
Mar 04, 2025•27 min
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 to find out if you're trying hard enough, or not nearly enough. Today Mercedes covers how to apply RPE into your climbing sessions, how to adjust intensity across different drills and energy systems, what RPE should feel like for different drills, and what a week should feel like. Join Modus Training with this 3 month membership special! https://www...
Feb 25, 2025•35 min
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 series, and today Mercedes discusses the concepts of auto regulation and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in the context of strength training. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your body's signals and using your warm up to assess your daily performance. You'll also find strategies for adjusting sessions to optimize performance and prevent ...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min
In this episode, Mercedes shares some awesome updates, including her exciting new van purchase, her training journey over the past 12 weeks (following the Modus training program!), and her climbing achievements in Joshua Tree. (Check out the link below for a 3 month membership special to join us in gaining some wins this year!) Also, Mercedes discusses the importance of community in her life, so look out for some future in-person workshops coming your way! Keep an eye out for social media change...
Jan 28, 2025•24 min
Calling all intermediate and advanced climbers! Let's discuss the concept of periodization in climbing. Mercedes is here to explain how to effectively plan a year of training to peak performance TWICE! Come have a listen and learn about the basics of periodization, including the structure of macro, meso, and micro cycles which include base building, transitioning to specific strength, performance, and power development. Mercedes also addresses common challenges climbers face throughout the year....
Jan 21, 2025•40 min
Wondering why you're straying from your training plan? Let's talk about the importance of assessments in climbing & how they can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. Today with Mercedes, explore the various types of assessments found in her Climbing & Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire, which include your physical status, technique, and mental aspects in training. Understand the significance of consistency, and that regular reassessment really is a great way to track prog...
Jan 14, 2025•15 min
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 goals that resonate with your values and motivations. The focus here is YOU. You may be inspired by someone else's goals, but I want you to focus on what is important to YOU rather than following external expectations. Keep listening as I share actionable steps to achieve these goals, the inevitable roadblocks, and the significance of maintaining a po...
Jan 07, 2025•28 min
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 passionate about this topic and her approach to climbers with fear might surprise you. Today we're talking about our nervous system, being thankful, and fear-shaming. We have tips, questions, and powerful information on ways to regulate and teach your body how to respond when you feel fearful when climbing. Come have a listen and expand your knowledge if y...
Dec 10, 2024•56 min
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 with longevity in mind. Do you believe finger strength is the most important thing to focus on? Because I don't. (Okay, it's in the top 3.) But hear me out: technique. Technique paired with consistency, intentionality, and curiosity will help build familiarity around hold positions, and you'll learn movement and strength. So have a listen to this we...
Dec 03, 2024•29 min
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 progress. You can beat the distractions of outdoor climbs, ditch the drive, and enjoy simple and focused winter climbing training. I know sometimes it can feel like a grind to get motivated, and things can feel heavier when it's dark and dreary, but these tips will keep you out of the funk. Make a mini-plan using this winter training gym checklist...
Nov 26, 2024•18 min
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 injury, and you'll enjoy better climbing sessions. Find out the role of energy in your body, and how it effects your recovery. Also learn how to reevaluate your training intensity and volume, as well as create better habits around nutrition, sleep, your recovery techniques, and mental well being. All of this can affect how you recover. Whether you'...
Nov 19, 2024•46 min
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 climbing. "Old" is relative, of course. So let's jump in this conversation together and change the way we think of old age. Age is not a limit! Ready to join us? Sign up for our training membership: https://www.modusathletica.com/stronger-together Also, Intro To Training Masterclass is a free way to work with us: https://www.modusathletica.com/mas...
Nov 12, 2024•38 min
Happy 1 Year Podcast Anniversary! At Modus, Mercedes is celebrating 5 years since starting this business and Katja is celebrating 3 years since joining, and together we're going behind the scenes to talk about what it's like to run a business, why we started this podcast, and where it's going. We think of it like climbing - there's a lot of joy that goes into it, as climbers we do hard things and love sending; but not every piece of the project is fun, right? Like your skin hurts, or it's cold o...
Nov 05, 2024•51 min
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 towards sending a sport route quickly in terms of how many sessions are spent on a route. Perhaps you're on a trip, or you have short seasons - you'll benefit from learning these tips! Ready to join us? Sign up for our training membership: https://www.modusathletica.com/stronger-together Also, Intro To Training Masterclass is a free way to work with us...
Oct 29, 2024•18 min
