1. The best way for long term improvement is to do more routes. Routes routes routes...This is especially important for Novice climbers to lay down their foundation. Also would be very good to do more vertical climbing.
2. Short term improvement is achieved fastest by strength gains, ie fingerboard, weighted trg etc. But it is as mentioned, short term. Must be done regularly and not just when trigger happy.
3.Plan and write down a strength programme which works for you and stick to it. eg. ZX likes to do lock-offs cos his lock-offs are his 'weakpoints' (of cos, weakpoints are relative). I like to do campus board and fingerboard cos my finger strength is low.
3. Trg partners motivate each other positively (or also negatively). So of course find a positive trg partner lar!
4. Set short term goals (ie achievable within one or 2 months) and of cos, achieve them :)
5. Set Long term goals (ie to be as strong as that senior or that dino)
6. Enjoy climbing at all times. If you feel sick of it, sit back and take a breather.. Maybe you need to rethink your personal goals in climbing? Mine is to travel around and climb as much rock with as many people as possible (with 2 big trips in mind). It's also my reason for trg so hard right now.
I also find competitions quite exciting and motivating- (enjoy your time in novice and intermediate Categories!)
