How Long to Rest Between Tries? A 1- vs 3-Minute Experiment

A pair experiment: repeat the same hard problem with 1-minute rests and then with 3-minute rests, counting how far you get. The data helps students decide how to manage recovery in a climbing session.

How to play

1. Pick a problem of 8 to 12 moves that's hard to send; number the moves (4 min).
2. Block A: three tries with 1 min rest; your partner logs the last move reached and effort 0-10 (6 min).
3. Active 5-minute break with easy shoulder and forearm mobility (4 min).
4. Block B: three tries with 3 min rest, same log (11 min).
5. Plot a simple graph and draw class conclusions: does performance change? What kind of effort suits each rest? (5 min).

Rules

• Each pair uses the same problem throughout.
• Feet under 1.5 m.
• If anything hurts, stop the experiment and note it.
• Your partner runs the rest clock, not the climber.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who are hard of hearing: the partner taps their shoulder to end the rest.
• Injured students: recorder and builder of the class graph.
• Less experienced climbers: shorter problem, same protocol.

Learning goals

• Design and run a simple experiment.
• Connect rest and performance.
• Make training decisions based on data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• wall bars: 10
• gym mats: 10
• stopwatches: 14
• log sheets: 14

Teacher tip

Have half the class start with block B so the order doesn't skew results. The usual mistake is picking a problem that's too easy: if everyone sends every time, there's no data.

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