If you’re serious about climbing, calisthenics, or building functional upper-body strength, you’ve likely heard of hangboards. These wooden or composite training tools are designed to target the muscles and tendons in your fingers, forearms, and shoulders, helping you build the grip strength needed to tackle harder routes, hold longer hangs, and prevent injuries. But not all hangboards are created equal. Today, we’re diving into the world of Two Stones Hangboards—a brand that’s redefining what a hang board can be, with innovative designs, premium materials, and a focus on versatility that caters to beginners and pros alike.
What Is a Hangboard, Anyway?
Before we get into the specifics of Two Stones, let’s start with the basics. A hangboard (also known as a fingerboard) is a training tool used primarily by rock climbers to improve finger strength and endurance. It typically features a series of edges, pockets, and holds of varying depths and widths, allowing users to target different muscle groups and grip types. While hangboards were once niche equipment found only in climbing gyms, they’ve become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, calisthenics athletes, and anyone looking to build a stronger, more resilient grip.
At its core, a hangboard works by forcing your fingers and forearms to support your body weight in a controlled manner. By hanging from different holds for set periods of time, you can gradually increase the load on your muscles and tendons, leading to significant gains in strength and endurance over time. But the key to effective hanging board training is choosing the right board—one that offers the right combination of holds, adjustability, and comfort to meet your specific goals.
Why Two Stones Stands Out in the Hangboard Market
Two Stones is a relative newcomer to the hangboard scene, but it’s quickly making a name for itself with its innovative designs and commitment to quality. What sets Two Stones apart from the competition? Let’s break it down:
1. Innovative, Versatile Designs
Two Stones offers a range of hangboard models, each designed to cater to different training needs and skill levels. One of their most popular products is the Two Stones Circular Hangboard (pictured in the first image), a compact, portable board that features a unique circular design with multiple holds of varying depths (15mm, 20mm, and 25mm). This design allows users to switch between different grip types—from crimps to open hands—with ease, making it ideal for both targeted training and full-body workouts.
For those who prefer a more traditional hangboard setup, Two Stones also offers a wall-mounted model (pictured in the third image) with a wide range of holds, including edges, pockets, and jugs. This board is perfect for climbers who want to replicate the feel of real rock holds in the comfort of their own home, with enough variety to keep their training fresh and challenging.
2. Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
One of the first things you’ll notice about Two Stones hangboards is the quality of the materials. Each board is made from solid beech or pine wood, which is not only durable and long-lasting but also provides a natural, comfortable grip that’s gentle on your hands. Unlike plastic hangboards, which can be slippery and cause blisters, wooden boards offer a more tactile, ergonomic feel that reduces the risk of injury and makes training more enjoyable.
Two Stones also takes pride in its craftsmanship. Each climbing hangboard is hand-finished and sanded to a smooth, splinter-free surface, ensuring that every hold is comfortable and safe to use. The brand also uses non-toxic, eco-friendly finishes to protect the wood and maintain its natural beauty, so you can feel good about using a product that’s both high-quality and sustainable.
3. Portability and Accessibility
Another key advantage of Two Stones climbing hang board is their portability. The circular model, in particular, is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, with built-in holes for attaching ropes or straps (as shown in the first image). This means you can take your hangboard with you to the gym, the park, or even on a climbing trip, so you never have to miss a training session.
For those who prefer to train at home, the wall-mounted model is easy to install and fits seamlessly into any space. Whether you have a dedicated home gym or a small apartment, Two Stones hangboards are designed to be accessible and user-friendly, so you can start building strength without the need for expensive equipment or a lot of space.
How to Use a Two Stones Hangboard: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to hangboarding training, it’s important to start slow and focus on proper form to avoid injury. Here’s a quick guide to getting started with a Two Stones hangboard:
- Warm Up: Before you start hanging, it’s crucial to warm up your fingers, forearms, and shoulders. Spend 5–10 minutes doing light stretching, finger rolls, and wrist exercises to get your blood flowing and loosen up your muscles.
- Choose Your Hold: Start with a hold that’s comfortable and manageable, such as a 25mm edge or a large pocket. Focus on maintaining a neutral wrist position and keeping your shoulders down and back to avoid straining your neck or upper back.
- Hang for Short Intervals: Begin with 5–10 second hangs, gradually increasing the time as you build strength. Aim for 3–5 sets of each hold, with 60–90 seconds of rest between sets.
- Progress Gradually: As you get stronger, you can start using smaller holds, increasing the length of your hangs, or adding weight to your body (using a weight belt or backpack) to make the exercise more challenging.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel any pain or discomfort in your fingers, wrists, or shoulders, stop immediately. Hangboard training can be intense, so it’s important to prioritize recovery and avoid overtraining.
Beyond Climbing: Hangboard Training for Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
While hangboards are most commonly associated with climbing, they’re also incredibly effective for a wide range of other fitness goals. Here are just a few ways you can use a Two Stones hangboard to improve your performance:
- Calisthenics: Hangboards are perfect for building the grip strength needed for pull-ups, muscle-ups, and other calisthenics exercises. By hanging from different holds, you can target different muscle groups and add variety to your workouts.
- CrossFit: Many CrossFit workouts require a strong grip, whether you’re lifting heavy weights, doing pull-ups, or swinging kettlebells. Hangboard training can help you build the strength and endurance needed to excel in these exercises.
- Injury Prevention: By strengthening the muscles and tendons in your fingers and forearms, hangboard training can help prevent common climbing injuries, such as pulley strains and tendonitis. It can also improve your overall grip strength, which is important for everyday activities like carrying groceries, opening jars, and playing sports.
Final Thoughts: Is a Two Stones rock climbing hangboard Worth the Investment?
If you’re serious about building grip strength and improving your performance, a Two Stones hangboard is definitely worth considering. With its innovative designs, premium materials, and focus on versatility, this brand offers a training tool that’s both effective and accessible, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Whether you choose the portable circular model or the wall-mounted version, you can be confident that you’re investing in a high-quality product that will help you reach your fitness goals. So why wait? Take your training to the next level with a Two Stones hangboard, and start building the strength and confidence you need to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Ready to start your hangboard training journey? Check out the full range of Two Stones hangboards on their website, and find the perfect board for your needs. Your next PR is just a hang away!