[bengillies]

> Lifting barbells allows you to control the weight much more than climbing or punching things.

Ok so that makes a lot more sense. Thanks for the explanation.

> Barbells also allow you to start with smaller weights at the beginning of the workout, and then move on to heavier sets when you're warm. AFAIK there's no way to do this with climbing.

So with climbing in general climbing harder problems (smaller holds, further apart, more overhang, etc etc) works muscles more, and the harder you climb, the fitter and stronger you will be.

[pvnick]

Yes this will make you stronger, but not as much as barbell exercises