As the red lanterns begin to line city streets, dumpling fillings are mixed with care, and the air hums with anticipation for the Lunar New Year, we pause to reflect on the year that’s passed—and the community that makes every chalky handhold and personal best worth celebrating. For climbers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone chasing strength gains, the hangboard (or fingerboard) has become an indispensable tool in the journey to unlock greater grip strength, endurance, and climbing performance. As we stand on the cusp of the 2026 Lunar New Year, we’re diving deep into the world of hangboard training, sharing expert tips for beginners and pros alike, and above all, extending our heartfelt thanks to our amazing customers who have trusted us to be part of their strength journey.
The hanging board is far more than a simple piece of wood or plastic mounted on a wall; it’s a gateway to unlocking the raw power of the upper body, specifically the fingers, forearms, and core—foundational elements for rock climbing, bouldering, and even functional fitness. Originating from the climbing communities of Europe and North America in the 1980s, hangboards were initially crude wooden boards with drilled edges, crafted by climbers for climbers to train indoors when weather or access to crags was limited. Today, they’ve evolved into sophisticated pieces of equipment, designed with ergonomic holds, varying edge depths, and specialized rungs to target every aspect of grip strength, from crimps and slopers to pinches and pockets.
In China, where climbing has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade—with indoor climbing gyms popping up in every major city and Chinese climbers making their mark on the international stage—the hang board has become a staple in training regimens. Whether you’re a competitive climber prepping for a tournament, a casual boulderer looking to send your first V5, or someone simply wanting to build forearm strength for daily activities, hangboard training offers a customizable, efficient workout that fits into even the busiest schedules.
For those new to climbing hangboard training, the key is to start slow and prioritize form over intensity— a lesson that aligns perfectly with the Lunar New Year’s theme of patience and renewal. Unlike traditional strength training, hangboarding is low-impact but high-intensity, focusing on isometric holds rather than repetitive motion. Begin with the largest, most comfortable edges on your board; a good starting point is a 20mm to 30mm flat edge. Warm-up is non-negotiable: spend 10 to 15 minutes rotating your wrists, flexing your fingers, and doing light pull-ups or push-ups to get blood flowing to your forearms. Once warmed up, adopt a dead-hang position: arms straight, core engaged, shoulders relaxed (not shrugged up to your ears), and feet off the ground. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds, then rest for 45 to 60 seconds. Repeat this 4 to 6 times for your first set, and stick to 2 to 3 sets total as a beginner.
As you progress, you can challenge yourself by moving to smaller edges, adding weight (with a weight belt), or trying different hold types—pinch grips, for example, target the thumb and forefinger muscles, while sloper holds test your friction strength and core stability. Advanced climbers often incorporate repeaters into their routine: short, intense holds (3 to 5 seconds) followed by brief rest periods (3 to 5 seconds), repeated for 60 to 90 seconds, to build anaerobic endurance—critical for those long, grueling routes on the wall
One of the most common mistakes we see is overtraining, which can lead to finger injuries like pulley strains— a frustrating setback that can sideline you for weeks. The golden rule? Train smart, not hard. Limit climbing hang board sessions to 2 to 3 times per week, and always listen to your body. If your fingers feel numb, tingling, or painful (beyond the normal burn of muscle fatigue), stop immediately. Recovery is just as important as the workout itself: stretch your forearms post-training, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with protein to repair muscle tissue.
As we gear up to welcome the Lunar New Year— the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, speed, and perseverance—we can’t help but draw parallels between hangboard training and the values of this auspicious year. Mastering a tiny 5mm edge takes the same perseverance a horse needs to gallop across a finish line; building grip strength over months of consistent training embodies the patience and dedication that define the Lunar New Year’s spirit of new beginnings. It’s this spirit that we see in our customers every day: the beginner who shows up to the gym week after week, determined to hold a crimp a little longer each time; the competitive climber who logs early-morning hangboard sessions before work; the family that buys a hangboard for their home, turning a spare room into a space for shared strength and fun.
To our dear customers: thank you. Thank you for choosing our hangboards, our training guides, and our community as you pursue your strength goals. Thank you for the photos you share of your home training setups, the stories of your personal bests, and the feedback that helps us make our products even better. Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of watching you grow—from nervous beginners to confident climbers, from casual fitness lovers to dedicated athletes—and we are endlessly proud to be a small part of your journey.
This Lunar New Year, as you gather with family and friends to exchange red envelopes, eat lucky foods, and ring in the Year of the Horse, we wish you joy, health, and prosperity in abundance. May the strength you’ve built on the hangboard translate to strength in all areas of your life—whether you’re chasing a new climbing goal, a career milestone, or simply embracing the adventures of the year ahead. May your days be filled with the warmth of loved ones, your heart with gratitude, and your hands with the strength to grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way.
For those of you who plan to squeeze in a quick hangboard session between family gatherings (we see you!), we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. And for those who are taking a well-deserved break to celebrate, savor every moment—rest is just another form of training, after all.
As we look forward to 2026, we’re excited to continue supporting your strength journey with new hangboard designs, expert training resources, and a community that lifts each other up. The Year of the Horse is a time to charge forward with courage, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish—on the wall and off.
Happy Lunar New Year, dear friends. May your grip be strong, your heart be full, and your year be nothing short of extraordinary.
With deepest gratitude,
The Two Stones Team