Learning to Climb Indoors

If your climbing journey starts at the gym, and for most people today it does, this is the book to grab first. Eric Hörst’s “Learning to Climb Indoors” is endorsed by USA Climbing as the go-to guide for beginning indoor climbers, and it covers everything from your first visit to a climbing gym through building a structured training plan.

Why Start Here

Indoor climbing has its own culture, etiquette, and techniques that differ from outdoor climbing in important ways. Hörst, a performance coach with over thirty years of climbing experience, understands that most beginners today start on plastic holds before they ever touch real rock. He designed this book specifically for that path.

The book covers the basics you need right away: how gyms work, what gear to rent versus buy, bouldering and top-rope fundamentals, and the safety protocols that every climber must understand. But it goes further than a typical beginner guide. Hörst includes chapters on mental control (dealing with fear of falling, building confidence), physical conditioning (finger strength, core training, flexibility), and self-assessment tools that help you identify your weaknesses and train them effectively.

The third edition adds a section on youth climbing, reflecting how many families now climb together, and expanded guidance on transitioning from indoor climbing to outdoor rock.

What to Expect

A focused, practical 208-page book that you can read in a few evenings. The writing is clear and encouraging, with plenty of photos demonstrating technique. Hörst is a coach at heart, and the book reads like having a knowledgeable friend walk you through everything you need to know for your first months in the gym. It pairs well with “How to Rock Climb” when you are ready to take your skills outside.