Originally Posted by
noglider
A lower gear makes it easier to get up the hill, but it doesn't help make you stronger at hill climbing. In fact, the higher gear you use, the stronger you get. I learned this when I started commuting on a fixed gear bike. I couldn't shift down; I used the only gear I had. That's when I started getting good at climbing.
I just wanted to get to the top, get some groceries and get home. Do that enough times and you get stronger, but you've got to get over the hill in the first place!