Simple Exercises for in between climbs

Lately at the gym, I have been in a trio with a pair of talkative,  climbers.  So I usually have a long wait in between climbs. Has anyone ever tried do some light exercises in between climbs? Like active stretches, planks, light core exercises, etc? These would serve two purposes:
1) Make me fitter.
2) Non-verbally tell my partners to shut up and climb.

I’d focus on expanding my partner pool before getting that passive aggressive.

Lots of stuff you could do though. Traverse at the base, push-ups, pull-ups, hop on some cardio equipment if it’s available....

Pete G. wrote: Lately at the gym, I have been in a trio with a pair of talkative,  climbers.  So I usually have a long wait in between climbs. Has anyone ever tried do some light exercises in between climbs? Like active stretches, planks, light core exercises, etc? These would serve two purposes:
1) Make me fitter.
2) Non-verbally tell my partners to shut up and climb.

You could also try talking to the talkative climbers about talking less. Maybe even use lines like "less talk, more climbing!"

Marc801 C wrote:

You could also try talking to the talkative climbers about talking less. Maybe even use lines like "less talk, more climbing!"

I have tried polite suggestions, pleading, sarcasm, insults, brow beating, and whining. Because of my family, the only time I can hit the gym is right after work from 330 to 5 so I have to take what partners I can get. Right now, I am climbing with two, out of shape "casuals".  

Pete G. wrote:

 out of shape "casuals".  

Next time I look for a partner I’m going to use those exact words!

I introduced two good friends I’ve known for twenty plus years to climbing. They both climb well while I not so much. Either way though, we go twice or three times a week to not only keep hands strong or to have fun but we also socialize. I think of it as some guys go to the bar after work and some go to the gym. If these guys like to talk see if they’ll let you get more laps in while they chat. 

Bill Kirby wrote:

Next time I look for a partner I’m going to use those exact words!

I introduced two good friends I’ve known for twenty plus years to climbing. They both climb well while I not so much. Either way though, we go twice or three times a week to not only keep hands strong or to have fun but we also socialize. I think of it as some guys go to the bar after work and some go to the gym. If these guys like to talk see if they’ll let you get more laps in while they chat. 

I should say that I am turning into an out of shape casual. I now have kids and can't get to the gym 3 times a week and climb outside every weekend. So I am trying to maximize my workout time by mixing in some other exercise when one of my partners spends 10 minutes talking followed by 10 minutes flailing on a 5.9. 

Hey, it's tough getting partners, kinda tough climbing with little kids, too.

But really, maybe posting for training partners for your specific time frame might be a better approach? It appears people who already are set with partners graciously rolled you in with them. They are giving up a significant chunk of their​ time for you. Maybe you can help out a newer climber? Help another dad (or mom) get some desperately needed gym time in?

When I was trying to get training in, earlier this year, my best time happened to be before work, when the gym opened. Just me and a staffer, most days. So, I hit the autobelays and the treadwall. Bouldering, weights, hangboard, moon board....if it's just a workout, there's a lot you can do in a good sized gym without partners.

That said, I'm guessing you simply need more partners, both people you can crank out stuff with, but also people who will be patient, kind, and understanding, and help get you out with the kids in tow. You aren't the only one, so write some thoughtful partner requests, and post up everywhere!

And best wishes, sir! Kids aren't forever, but it sure feels like it some days.

Best, OLH

I'm kind of irritated on your behalf...
Col. Mustard already mentioned the best one - traverse the base.  Stay on for the whole time they are climbing.  It's a great workout.  I know this because before there were climbing gyms, I used to go buildering with a group of friends at Stanford.  Dead vertical quarried stone blocks with nothing but small crimps.  We'd sometimes go around an entire building for one of the endurance workouts.  Your forearms would be screaming!  I had fingers of steel back then.

Old lady H wrote: But really, maybe posting for training partners for your specific time frame might be a better approach? 

I have had a post up on this website for months now.       Plus other sites, signs in the gym, trying to teach someone I work with, etc. These are the partners I have for the short term.  

Pete G. wrote:

I have had a post up on this website for months now.       Plus other sites, signs in the gym, trying to teach someone I work with, etc. These are the partners I have for the short term.  

Facebook groups have helped with finding partners, for myself, here in Boise. Also let the gym staff know you're solo when you come in. Watch for a group of three, and ask if they mind giving you a belay. Look for someone else, maybe on an autobelay or bouldering, who may be a singleton and ask....I've done all of that, sometimes works, oft times I was still the only one there.

Anybody ever use the partner finder search, by zip code, and hit up random strangers? I confess, that one I've not been brave enough to try.

Go back through the old posts in your area partner forum, and ask if they are still open for partners.

Best of luck, it really can be hard, sometimes. I've never been flush with partners, here, but it's a small pool of people, and I'm hardly the only one who can't round up bodies some days. Schedules are usually the crux, for that.

Doing stuff (anything at all) once you have kids, takes extra effort, patience, and creativity. Take the kids to some place where you can all play. You, get extra workout points if you have a toddler on your shoulders, or a five year old wrapped around your leg. Go for bike rides, have water balloon fights, play in the snow....sheesh. I don't get people who think kids have to be "doing" something specific, all the time. Whatever happened to playing?? If I wasn't willing to "play" I would never have started climbing!

Sorry about the rant, this isn't aimed at you, particularly. It's just such a shame to see kids so trapped, so often, let alone us "grownups"!

Best, OLH

Laying as still as possible. 

Pete G. wrote:

I have tried polite suggestions, pleading, sarcasm, insults, brow beating, and whining. Because of my family, the only time I can hit the gym is right after work from 330 to 5 so I have to take what partners I can get. Right now, I am climbing with two, out of shape "casuals".  

Above suggested autobelay would be ideal. Or ask them if you can do doubles each time you tie in. Neither socializing or hardcore is more valid than the other, so something that accommodates all of you would be best.

Combine the advice of John Wilder and s.price, play a harmonica poorly while bouldering. 

Pete G. wrote:  Has anyone ever tried do some light exercises in between climbs?

Heckle your friends until they come to understand the err of their ways.