First Training Session on My DIY Treadwall

First Training Session on My DIY Treadwall – 4 x 5 Minutes of Pure Fun (and Forearm Burn!)

I couldn’t wait any longer. The moment my DIY Treadwall was fully functional, I knew I had to test it out properly. So, instead of waiting for the perfect moment, I squeezed in my first training session right before work. Maybe not the smartest idea, but the excitement was too strong.

I planned a simple session: 4 sets of 5 minutes each, focusing on endurance without getting too pumped. That was the goal – but reality had other plans.

The Plan: A Controlled Endurance Session

My idea was to find a manageable intensity, keep climbing without reaching full forearm exhaustion, and experiment with different inclinations. The goal wasn’t to completely destroy my arms before work, but rather to get a feel for how my body responds to the Treadwall.

I set up the holds in a way that mimicked easy but sustained movement, with some small crimps, jugs, and slopers spread across the board. Nothing too crazy – just enough variety to test different grip positions.

Round 1: Finding the Right Rhythm

As soon as I stepped onto the Treadwall, I felt pure excitement. The first few moves felt light, and I quickly got into a rhythm. I focused on breathing, keeping my movement smooth, and not overgripping.

The first minute or two went well, but I quickly realized something:🔥 The angle was too steep. 🔥

I had underestimated how much harder even moderate inclinations would feel over 5 full minutes of continuous movement. My arms started filling with lactic acid way faster than expected, and by minute four, I was fighting the pump hard.

Round 2: A Slight Adjustment

After the first set, I lowered the incline slightly, hoping to make it a bit more sustainable.

This time, I focused on:✅ Relaxing my grip as much as possible✅ Placing my feet precisely to avoid unnecessary tension✅ Using momentum efficiently instead of muscling through every move

Still, by the end of the set, my forearms were on fire. The difference between 4 minutes of gym bouldering and 4 minutes of continuous movement was huge.

Round 3 & 4: Pushing Through the Pump

For the third and fourth rounds, I tried to find a balance between endurance and effort. Instead of lowering the incline even more, I adjusted my climbing pace—moving a bit slower and focusing on recovery where possible.

By the end of the last round, I was totally pumped but incredibly stoked. The session had been harder than I expected, but the feeling of continuous movement, the flow, and the control over the Treadwall was amazing.

What I Learned from My First Session

1️⃣ Steep angles add up FAST. Even a slight overhang becomes brutal when you’re climbing non-stop.

2️⃣ Pacing is key. Moving too fast burns you out quickly, but moving too slow can also be inefficient. Finding the right rhythm is crucial.

3️⃣ My DIY Treadwall works PERFECTLY. This was the best proof that my setup is solid. No mechanical issues, smooth movement – just pure climbing fun.

Final Thoughts: A Game Changer for Training

Even though my arms were wrecked before heading to work, I couldn’t stop smiling. The Treadwall is exactly what I hoped for: an endurance-building, technique-improving, addictive training tool that makes home sessions way more effective.

Next time, I’ll experiment with different angles, longer rest times, and maybe some footwork drills. But for now, I’m just happy I finally got to climb on my own creation – and it’s everything I imagined and more.