The moment you start measuring something, you begin optimizing for it. In climbing, this can sharpen progress — or distort it. Metrics are not neutral. They reshape how you train, what you value, and ultimately how you perform.

You can increase max hang load without sending harder routes. You can send harder routes without increasing finger strength. Output, capacity and performance are related — but they are not identical. Confusing them creates false expectations and unnecessary program changes.

Climbers talk about getting stronger, fitter, or better — but few define what they are actually measuring. Force can be measured. Time can be measured. Success rate can be measured. “Feeling strong” cannot. Clarity about what is measurable prevents false conclusions.