Choosing the right training structure is the single most critical decision for a climber aiming to break through plateaus. According to industry data on athletic development, structured periodization yields significantly higher success rates than unstructured gym time. This guide breaks down the pricing and value propositions of Paradigm Climbing's two primary offerings: fully customized coaching and the Full Spectrum pre-written series.

Custom Coaching: The Elite Path

Paradigm Climbing was founded by Charlie Schreiber, a professional climbing coach with over 20 years of experience. His approach is built on the philosophy that climbing is not just about strength, but about understanding the "why" behind every movement. Custom plans are designed for athletes who need a holistic approach to their physical and mental profile.

Custom coaching is ideal for climbers who have specific, high-stakes goals. Whether you are preparing for a national competition or attempting a V13 project, a custom plan adapts to your schedule, commitment level, and financial capacity. The core value here is direct access to Coach Charlie, who reads every email personally and provides real-time adjustments to your programming.

This model eliminates the guesswork of periodization. Charlie prescribes specific volume, duration, and load controls to optimize performance while preventing overtraining. For athletes who have hit a wall with generic programs, this bespoke approach offers the highest ceiling for progress.

Full Spectrum: The Structured Alternative

For climbers who prefer a ready-to-execute framework, the Full Spectrum series offers a comprehensive pre-written plan. This program is designed for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes. It provides a complete training ecosystem without the need for constant manual adjustments.

The Full Spectrum plan includes six varied climbing training sessions per week. This frequency ensures consistent stimulus for adaptation. The program also integrates nine technical drills and an enhanced warm-up routine to prepare the body for intense load.

Strength training is a critical component of this plan. It covers non-climbing strength for pull, push, legs, and core, alongside specific finger strength training. This balanced approach ensures that climbers develop the necessary structural integrity to support their climbing gains. The plan also includes educational materials on mindset, visualization, and heart-rate control, addressing the mental side of the sport.

Key Differences and Value Analysis

Understanding the distinction between these two models helps climbers align their investment with their needs. Custom coaching offers maximum flexibility and direct mentorship, while Full Spectrum provides a disciplined, structured path for those who want to follow a proven system.

Both options share a common foundation in scientific training principles. Charlie Schreiber’s background in finance and strength and conditioning certification (CSCS) ensures that every plan, whether custom or pre-written, is built on data-driven logic. This reduces the risk of injury and maximizes the return on your training investment.

Meet the Coaching Team

The quality of your training is directly tied to the expertise of your coaches. Paradigm Climbing boasts a roster of elite professionals who bring diverse perspectives to the sport.

Charlie Schreiber is the founder and a V13 boulderer. He has coached athletes from Day 1 V0 to V17 levels. His experience includes competing at World Cups and Tri-State Bouldering Championships. He focuses on long-term athlete development and holistic performance.

Mattias Braach-Maksvytis brings 22 years of outdoor and competition experience. As a V14 boulderer and first ascensionist, he specializes in power, foot tension, and lower body utility. His background in physical therapy adds a unique layer of injury prevention to his coaching style.

Matt Ratajczak is a professional routesetter and coach based in Albuquerque. Since 2008, he has mentored Team USA athletes. His expertise in route setting allows him to teach climbers how to read walls and execute complex sequences with precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between custom and pre-written plans?

If you have specific competition dates or project goals, custom coaching is recommended. If you want a structured routine to overcome a plateau, Full Spectrum is ideal.

Can beginners use the Full Spectrum plan?

Yes, the Full Spectrum series is designed for all ages and skill levels, including beginners.

What is the response time for custom coaching inquiries?

Coach Charlie reads every email personally. Response times can vary from 0 to 3 days.

Does the coaching include mental training?

Yes, both custom and pre-written plans include educational materials on mindset, visualization, and breathing techniques.

What is the maximum climbing level coached?

Coach Charlie has mentored athletes to the V17 and V16 levels, demonstrating expertise at the elite end of the spectrum.

Are the plans suitable for outdoor climbers?

Absolutely. The plans are perfect for indoor and outdoor athletes, including sport, boulder, and trad climbers.

What qualifications do the coaches have?

Charlie Schreiber is a CSCS certified strength and conditioning coach. Mattias has a background in physical therapy. Matt is a professional routesetter.

Start Your Climb Today

Whether you choose the personalized guidance of custom coaching or the structured discipline of the Full Spectrum plan, the result is the same: measurable progress. Do not let another season pass with unstructured training. Visit the Custom Plans page to explore your options. For more insights on training strategies, read the Paradigm Climbing Blog. To speak directly with Coach Charlie, use the Contact Form to schedule your consultation. Explore the About page to learn more about the team. Check out the Testimonies page to see what other climbers have achieved.