Maybe, but clipped in I can be "lazy" and just focus on moving the legs. Maybe that means my form is bad and that I use clipless as a crutch but I like them and will never ride without unless it's just a fun ride with the family or something but even then I usually use clipless because that's what the bike has. I can also "pull-up" to try and get a bit more power into a climb. I know people say it's a myth, but it can be done, it has an effect and my muscles get tired quite quickly so they must be doing something they don't normally do.