Lattice online personal training not for kids

Tom Randall started his online coaching and training platform almost ten years ago. Now thousands of dedicated climbers around the globe follow Lattice's individual training plans. They also run a popular YouTube channel.

“I am not a talented climber like the ones doing 9a’s just based rock climbing. I started creating and following training programs in order to go above 8a. It is great to see that these programs motivates climbers to reach new levels.

Do you think there is a risk for youngsters and newcomers to too early going for quick progress through programs?
We actually stopped new sign-ups of online coaching for kids below age 18 a couple of years ago as we felt that youths need a different type of support that is often more long-term beneficial in person. We mostly focus on adult climbers that have reached a plateau, or would like help with time and session management so as to reach new levels, reduce injury occurrence or just improve their longevity in the sport.

Surely, some climbers are possibly in it for short term progress and possibly we should address this more. Everyone in the Lattice coaching team are dedicated and passionate climbers (many of them semi-pro athletes from the outdoor scene or IFSC comps) that have been climbing and training for many years.

Your question is interesting and possibly we could follow up this in some way. Every climber is different and what is working really well for many could also create protential problems for others. It's so individualised! When it comes to the youth athletes, their 'in person coaches' and parents are a bit of an unknown factor and in a practical sense this can be very challenging to manage, because just like in normal life, if you have large teams working together the communication is more complex! On the other hand, a self-reliant adult working with a professional coach is a little simpler.