The definitive resource to brain-training for climbing--by an internationally recognized expert As physical as climbing is, it is even more mental. Being technically and physically sound is not enough to navigate an intimidating big wall or a treacherous mountain. Ultimately, people climb with their minds--hands and feet are merely extensions of their thoughts and will. Becoming a master climber requires that they first master their minds. In "Maximum Climbing," America's foremost authority on training for climbing presents a climber's guide to the software of the brain--one that will prove invaluable whether one's preference is bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing, alpine climbing, or mountaineering. Eric Horst begins by bringing unprecedented clarity to the many cognitive and neurophysical aspects of climbing. He then dovetails this information into a complete program, setting forth three stages of mental training that correspond to beginner, intermediate, and elite levels of experience and commitment--an ideal template to build upon to personalize one's goals through years of climbing to come.