Manifest Training

Many of us find training too monotonous, even boring. Chiropractor Michael Layton disagrees. Dr. Layton has written, photographed, and self-published a unique guide to exercise, nutrition, and advanced climbing skills called Climbing Stronger, Faster, Healthier: Beyond the Basics ($24.95, amazon.com). Part textbook, part climbing manifesto, the book devotes much of its 200 pages to training and injury rehabilitation. The tone is candid, as when discussing trekking poles: “Get cheap ones because you’ll break them,” Layton advises. Yet the author’s personal suggestions, like ego-baiting a bail-minded partner into sticking it out, should be taken with a grain of salt. Advanced climbing instruction fills the last 60 pages. Layton includes well-tested tips, gear advice, and instruction on skills like rope-soloing, hand drilling, and installing bolt anchors. Even a casual scan reveals something to laugh at or learn from.
— Blake Herrington