Bridging Laboratory Science and
Climbing Performance.
I am an exercise physiologist and climbing coach based in Toronto, Ontario. I use repeatable strength, power, and endurance tests to add objective context to what athletes and coaches observe on the wall.
Exercise Physiologist • Canadian Sport Institute Ontario • Toronto, ON
Science Backed by Verified Credentials
Ben’s approach is grounded in academic training, published climbing research, documented testing procedures, and practical coaching experience.
MSc Human Health & Nutritional Sciences
University of Guelph
Completed in the Human Performance and Health Research Laboratory, with research on blood-flow-restriction training and climbing performance.
Exercise Physiologist
Canadian Sport Institute (CSI) Ontario
Currently works as an Exercise Physiologist at the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario.
Climbing Physiology Experience
Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC)
Presented at the 2024 High Performance Competition and contributed to CEC projects, including RBC Training Ground athlete selection.
Peer-Reviewed Researcher
Climbing Performance Research
Co-author of peer-reviewed studies on World Cup bouldering time management and blood-flow-restriction training in climbers.
Physical Testing in the Context of Climbing
Climbing performance reflects physical, technical, tactical, and psychological factors. Testing focuses on measurable physical qualities—strength, power, and endurance—without pretending that one number explains performance.
Climbing-Specific Support
Testing and training are selected around the demands of the athlete’s climbing discipline, experience, goals, and available training time.
Test, Don’t Guess
Physical testing measures specific qualities; it does not explain every climbing outcome by itself. Results are interpreted alongside technical performance, tactics, training history, and the athlete’s goals.
Maximum Force & Fast Force
Rate of force development describes how quickly force rises from a steady baseline. Ben may assess the force-time slope or force reached at defined points such as 100 and 200 milliseconds.
Measure Change Over Time
Repeat testing shows whether the intended physical quality changed. A check-up can support training decisions, but performance testing is not a medical diagnosis or a guarantee of injury prevention.
Equipment & Documented Test Methods
Equipment and procedures vary by package. Consistent setup, clear instructions, and repeatable test conditions matter as much as the device itself.
Force Transducer / Load Cell
Tindeq is specified for the basic procedure and Phidgets equipment for specialized package testing.
10mm / 20mm Edges & Ring
Standardized attachments are used for finger-strength and ring-pull trials in a controlled body position.
Pull-Up Velocity
Measures movement speed on a pull-up bar, 20mm edge, and 10mm edge.
Vertical Jump Measurement
Assesses general lower-body power using a GymAware device or a wall-mounted measuring tape, depending on the package.
Rooted in the Ontario Climbing Community
Travel is free when testing takes place at Hogtown Bouldering. Ben also travels to other facilities in the GTA and Southern Ontario using the published travel rates.
Ben previously coached at Boulder Parc and Up The Bloc and continues to work with climbers, coaches, teams, and parents.
Quick Facts About Coach Ben
- Home Gym: Hogtown Bouldering, Toronto
- Previous Coaching: Boulder Parc and Up The Bloc
- Testing Focus: Strength, power, and endurance
- Social: Follow on Instagram @ben_mck2