My self-made Climbing Treadwall is Finally Done – Here’s How I’ll Use It for Training and Travel Prep

My self-made Climbing Treadwall is Finally Done – Here’s How I’ll Use It for Training and Travel Prep

Building my own Climbing Treadwall has been a long journey – from planning, gathering materials, and dealing with unexpected challenges to finally seeing it move for the first time. Now that it’s up and running, I can confidently say: it was worth every minute.

This rotating climbing wall is not just a fun project; it’s going to be an essential part of my training, whether I’m preparing for outdoor trips, maintaining my strength in the off-season, or just having an efficient workout at home.

From Idea to Reality: The Journey of My DIY Treadwall

The idea of building my own rotating climbing wall started with one simple realization: my full time work week does not allow me to climb as much as I want, I was getting weeker (which I did not like...)!

Commercial Treadwalls are incredibly expensive. They’re an amazing tool, but not something I could justify spending thousands of dollars on (the cheapest version from a manufacturer was 13 000,- $ new).

So, I decided to build my own Climbing Treadwall.

I started with research, looking at various information, mechanical principles, and the materials needed. The biggest challenge was figuring out the drive system – how to keep the wall moving at a steady pace without needing a huge motor or complex electronics. I found a solution, and once that piece was in place, everything else started falling into place.

The First Test – Seeing It in Motion

The moment I powered it up and saw the wall move smoothly for the first time, I was amazingly happy. No more long drives to the gym after work, no more time limited evening training sessions.

Now, I can climb continuously at home, adjusting the speed and angle to match my training needs.

After weeks of fine-tuning, adjusting the frame, and testing different holds, the Treadwall was finally complete.

Now the real fun begins – training!

How I’ll Use My Treadwall for General Training

Having a rotating climbing wall at home opens up a ton of training possibilities. Unlike a standard home climbing wall, a Treadwall allows for continuous movement, which means I can replicate the endurance challenges of long outdoor routes.

Here’s how I plan to use it:

1. Building Endurance for Outdoor Climbing

One of the biggest struggles when transitioning from gym climbing to real rock is endurance. Short indoor routes don’t prepare you for the long, sustained efforts needed for outdoor multi-pitch or sport climbing.

With my Treadwall, I can set a comfortable pace and climb for 10, 20, or even 30 minutes without stopping – something that’s impossible on a normal home wall. I’ll experiment with different speeds and grip styles to simulate real rock scenarios.

2. Strength & Power Training

While endurance is key, I also want to maintain and improve my finger strength and explosive power. By setting the wall at a steeper angle and using more challenging holds, I can train power endurance, making those crux moves outdoors feel easier.

Some specific workouts I’ll incorporate:

• Intervals (30 seconds of hard climbing, 30 seconds rest)

• Weighted climbing (wearing a vest for added resistance)

  
  

3. Travel & Expedition Preparation

A major motivation for building my own Treadwall was staying in top shape for climbing trips. Before any big climbing vacation, I usually struggle to get enough mileage in a standard gym.

With my Treadwall, I can train specifically for upcoming destinations:

• If I’m heading to Kalymnos (Greece), I’ll focus on pumpy, overhanging routes.

• If I’m planning to Chulilla (Spain), I’ll focus on vertical climbing, I’ll train sustained, endurance-focused sessions.

• For a bouldering trip, I’ll set the angle steeper and work on powerful moves.

This means I’ll be stronger and better prepared before I even arrive at my destination.

Other Unexpected Benefits of a DIY Treadwall

Beyond structured training, I’ve already noticed some extra benefits of having a Treadwall at home:

1. Warm-ups & Recovery Work

Before a hard gym or outdoor session, I can use the Treadwall to get my fingers and body warmed up. A few easy laps on jugs at a low angle work perfectly for this. Similarly, I can use it for active recovery, climbing at a slow pace to increase blood flow after an intense session.

2. Bad Weather? No Problem!

One of the biggest issues with outdoor training is unpredictable weather. Rain, snow, or extreme cold can easily ruin a planned climbing day. Now, with my indoor Treadwall, I can train consistently, no matter the conditions.

3. Training When Time is Limited

Sometimes, driving to the gym isn’t an option. With the Treadwall in my home, I can get a full workout in 20-30 minutes, making training much more efficient and convenient.

Would I Build It Again? Absolutely!

Looking back, building my own Treadwall was one of the most challenging but rewarding projects I’ve ever done. It required problem-solving, patience, and a lot of trial and error, but now I have a world-class training tool at home – at a fraction of the cost of a commercial version.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.Would I change anything? Maybe just build it sooner!

For anyone considering a DIY climbing wall, I can only say this: go for it.

It’s an investment in your climbing future, and if you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards are incredible.