Fit to trek

21 May Fit to trek

With another trekking adventure approaching in the New Year I thought it would be a good time to post some tips for trekking.

The fitter you are before you depart, the easier your trek will be. You will have spent a lot of time, effort and money too to get to your trekking location, so it makes sense to get the most out of your trip by being in good shape and having suitable kit. By following the tips below, not only will you be well prepared for possibly a trip of a lifetime but you’ll get so much more out of your trekking experience.

So here are my Top 10.

1. Start your training early – look to build your strength fitness gradually, this way you body will adapt to the new demands you are placing on it.

2. Choose your footwear carefully and start wearing it in training – if purchasing new go to a hiking store for expert advice.

3. Don’t forget to wear the correct walking socks too – the right boots, wrong socks can cause all sorts of foot health issues.

4. Build leg strength with gym work – along with your walking training incorporate some squats, lunges and leg presses.

5. Build your walking training – walk training is the foundation of your training program and its important to build steadily towards distances you will be trekking. Initially intersperse training days with rest days then start to do some ‘back to back’ sessions.

6. Train on similar terrain – it is important to mimic conditions that are similar to the trek.

7. Practice with your backpack – carry the items that you will be walking with on the trek when training. Incrementally work up to your desired walking load.

8. Consider using walking poles – lightweight, they ease the load on knees and thighs during descents and can provide an extra set of legs for the climbs.

9. Hydrate yourself frequently when walking – whether it is cold or hot loss of fluids will reduce your blood volume resulting in your heart having to work a lot harder. If you feel thirsty you are probably already dehydrated. A pale straw- coloured urine sample will indicate you are hydrated…anything darker means you need to drink more.

10. Fuel your body for the trek – eat small amounts of food frequently whilst walking. Nuts, fruit even dark chocolate is good energy sources. Practice on your walks doing this so you get used to exercising with small amounts of food in your stomach. And remember to eat a good breakfast.

Happy trek training!