Book Review: Vertical Mind

I just finished up a review of Vertical Mind, a new mental training book by Don McGrath and Jeff Ellison. This is a direct competitor to the popular, "The Rock Warrior's Way." I think this book can help a lot of climbers out there.  -Aaron Cassebeer

Thanks for your review! I'll be picking this one up. Reading books by psychologists is always fascinating and I've definitely been holding myself back when I climb (out of fear).

It sounds interesting. I took two classes with Arno and found the most helpful the concept of "breathe and move" to silence those little voices. Although a healthy dose of fear is needed especially in trad and ice climbing you don't want it to be parlyzing when you are unable to move even though within your physical ability to make the move. I found it helpful to expect to get "the shakes" and even embrace it. If it's something I expected my mind does not freak out and freeze my body. I still place "peace of mind pieces" though :). Sounds like a good read.

Wyatt H wrote:That's your review?

I don't think that even qualifies as a preview. Same with all the amazon reviews, nobody can point to any specifics. Maybe there aren't any, hmm...

To reboot and Wyatt H,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll consider rewriting or adding more details to improve the review.

-Aaron

reboot wrote: I don't think that even qualifies as a preview. Same with all the amazon reviews, nobody can point to any specifics. Maybe there aren't any, hmm...

I have purchased and read the book and I can attest that there are plenty of specifics. It goes beyond telling you to "breathe and move...", which in my opinion is limiting in value, as this it does not take away or specifically address the causes for fear, anxiety, etc.

In brief the book introduces some of the basic psychology theory, exposes the different fears that climbers face, paces you through some self analysis and then provides strategies or scripts that can be practiced outside and during climbing to eliminate the various fears that you may be facing. And yes you can "relax and breathe" while reading the book

Okay everyone, we've made some updates and added more detail to the book review. I hop you guys can get a little more out of it this time.

-Aaron

much better review this time. (better as in more specific and applicable to helping someone know whether they want to purchase the material or not)

I'm just finishing the book and it is really good. I'm a scientist so I really appreciate the evidence driven approach they use. I like that the authors are experts in the field and are applying their scientific knowledge to climbing. They are also humorous in their writing and it is an easy read. The specific exercises are very useful and have generated lots of good discussion in my house about motivation, why we climb, etc... It has actually helped a lot to examine the sometimes differing motivations between me and my spouse which can occasionally lead to friction or a frustrating day out. I have tried to read Rock Warriors Way 2-3 times and just can't get through it, though I recognize it has helped a lot of people. Highly recommend the book!

Thanks Erika! You mentioned a bunch of things we were aiming for...
- more scientific than other treatments of "mental training"
- different motivations - "fun" doesn't begin to cover it
- concrete exercises
- humor / easy reading

I was really psyched (pun intended) about our project when Vertical Mind went to press, but I never anticipated the amount or depth of the positive feedback we have received - from beginners to elite.

Jeff Elison (coauthor)

It's a great book. I have the audible version. I highly recommend! 

Great book. I especially appreciated the application of common-sense evolutionary psychology to explain the underpinnings of behaviors and attitudes that are maladaptive in the context of climbing. It's been quite helpful for me to see how basic social instincts are at the root of many of my failed scends.
I also appreciated the gentle digs that Vertical Mind takes a climbing culture. Perhaps we will more readily restrain our douchiness if we understand how it hampers our performance.