Summer’s here, the sun’s out, and the crags are calling. It’s tempting to ditch the indoor climbing gym for outdoor adventures or just a lazy day in the park with a cold drink. But here at The Climbing Hangar, we know that keeping up with your indoor bouldering training, even when the weather’s glorious and the gym feels like a sauna, can level up your skills and keep you stoked for the sport. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong boulderer, you might appreciate a few no-nonsense tips to stay motivated. Let’s dive in and keep you psyched, whatever the weather.

Why Indoor Bouldering Matters, Even in Summer

Before we get to the tips, let’s talk about why sticking with indoor bouldering at The Climbing Hangar is worth it, even when the sun’s tempting you outside. Indoor bouldering is a controlled environment where you can hone technique, build strength, and tackle new challenges without worrying about weather or gear. Our gyms are open seven days a week, from early morning to late evening, so you can fit a session into your busy life. Plus, with our in-house route setting team resetting a full zone every week, there’s always a fresh problem to project, whether you’re climbing V0 or pushing to go pro. We cater to everyone: from first-timers with zero experience to lifelong climbers chasing that next grade. And our weekly coach-led socials and classes mean you’re climbing with like-minded folks at a similar stage of your climbing journey, building a community that keeps you coming back. Because let’s be real: nothing keeps you motivated like a crew that’s as psyched as you are.

Now, let’s get into those tips.

Tip 1: Set Small, Achievable Goals for Every Session

One of the biggest motivation killers is feeling like you’re not progressing. As a novice or intermediate climber, it’s easy to get frustrated when you’re not sending every problem or jumping grades overnight. Instead of focusing on crushing the hardest boulder in the gym, set small, realistic goals for each session. Maybe it’s nailing a specific move, like a heel hook, or hitting three new climbs at your flash grade without taking a break. At The Climbing Hangar, our route setters craft problems that are an epic ride at every grade, so even the easy stuff can feel like a good time. Write down your goal before you start: something like “stick that dyno on the blue” or “work on my footwork for 10 minutes.” Crossing off these mini-wins gives you a dopamine hit and keeps you hungry for more.

Tip 2: Mix Up Your Sessions with Fun Challenges

Boredom is the enemy of motivation, especially when it’s hot and you’re sweaty. Shake things up by turning your session into a game. Try “add-on” with a friend, where you each add a move to a sequence on the wall. Or challenge yourself to climb every problem in a zone without using your hands on specific holds (hello, core strength). The Climbing Hangar’s weekly resets mean there’s always a new set of problems to play with, so you can create your own mini-comp or try to flash all the new beginner boulders every single week. These little challenges make sessions feel less like a grind and more like a fun puzzle, keeping you engaged even when the sun’s tempting you outside.

Tip 3: Join a Climbing Social or Class

Nothing beats the vibe of climbing with others who get it. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, join one of The Climbing Hangar’s weekly coach-led socials or classes. These sessions are designed for climbers at your level, so you’re not intimidated by pros or left behind by beginners. You’ll meet other novice climbers who share your passion, swap beta, and cheer each other on. Our coaches are there to guide you, whether it’s refining your technique or helping you project a problem just beyond your reach. The community vibe at The Hangar is what sets us apart: our chilled, inclusive atmosphere makes you feel seen, whether you’re a first-timer or a part of the furniture. Plus, having a regular crew to climb with makes it harder to skip a session, even when the weather’s perfect.

Tip 4: Embrace Failure as Part of the Journey

Let’s be real: bouldering is hard and falling off a problem can feel like a punch to the ego, especially if you’re new to the sport or pushing into intermediate grades. But here’s the thing: failure is how you get better. At The Climbing Hangar, we celebrate the small victories, like sticking a tough move or figuring out the beta after ten tries. Instead of giving up when you can’t send a problem, treat it like a puzzle. Spend a session projecting a route just above your grade, and don’t be afraid to fall. Our route setters design problems to be exciting and challenging at every level, so even a “failed” attempt is teaching you something. Shift your mindset to see failure as progress, and you’ll stay stoked to keep trying, even on the hottest days.

Tip 5: Create a Summer Climbing Schedule

Summers are busy: BBQs, festivals, beach days etc. But a loose schedule can keep you consistent without feeling like a chore. Decide on two or three sessions a week that fit your life, like early mornings before work or late evenings when the gym’s cooler. The Climbing Hangar’s long hours (we’re talking early AM to late PM, seven days a week) make it easy to find a time that works. Block out those slots in your calendar, treat them like a date with a friend, and stick to it. If you’re near one of our gyms, pop in for a quick session before or after your summer plans. If you’re not near a Hangar, we hope you’re dreaming of having one in your city soon. We’re growing, and we’d love to bring our Hangar vibes to your neck of the woods.

Tip 6: Focus on Technique Over Strength

When it’s hot and you’re feeling sluggish, it’s tempting to think you need to be stronger to progress. But bouldering is as much about technique as it is about muscle. Novice and intermediate climbers can make huge gains by focusing on footwork, body positioning, or reading problems before jumping on. Spend a session at The Climbing Hangar working on quiet feet (eg. no stomping or scraping the wall) or practicing how to shift your weight to avoid barn-dooring off a hold. Our weekly climbing classes can give you pointers, and our route setters create problems that reward smart climbing, not just brute force. Technique work feels less draining in the heat and gives you a sense of progress that keeps you motivated.

Tip 7: Reward Yourself and Celebrate the Vibe

You’re putting in the work, so don’t forget to treat yourself. After a solid session, grab a coffee or smoothie at The Climbing Hangar café, or hang out with your climbing crew to debrief the day’s sends. Set a bigger reward for hitting a milestone, like sending your first white or sticking to your summer schedule for a month: maybe a new pair of climbing shoes or a day trip to an outdoor crag. The community vibe at The Hangar makes every session feel like a mini-event, whether you’re chilling on the mats or joining one of our summer BBQs or comps. Celebrating the small stuff keeps you connected to the sport and the people who make it special.

Staying motivated for indoor bouldering when the weather’s good and the gym’s hot isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. At The Climbing Hangar, we’re all about inspiring bolder living, whether you’re a first-timer stepping onto the mats or a lifelong climber chasing the next grade. Our gyms are built for you. We’re open seven days, with fresh routes every week, a welcoming community, and coach-led socials to keep you connected. By setting small goals, mixing up your sessions, embracing failure, and climbing with others, you’ll keep your passion for bouldering alive all summer long. So, next time the sun’s out, grab your chalk bag, head to The Hangar, and keep pushing your limits. What’s the one thing you’re most excited to try at your next session?