Training for Trekking Trips
TREKKING TRIP TRAINING TIPS
1. Start walking now – If you’re not in the habit of regular exercise, it’s important to begin early and gradually build your fitness level for the trip. Start with every other day and gradually increase time and distance as you get closer to the trek.
2. Include Leg Cardio as part of regular routine – It only makes sense; your legs will be carrying you on the trip. Cycling is great cardio for the legs and uses many of the same muscles used in trekking uphill. Other good options are: Squats, Lunges and swimming.
3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator – Easy things to think about in your daily routine. We live several blocks from a grocery store, so when we need something, I’ll grab my backpack and walk to the store and carry the food home in my pack.
4. Core body work fitness - It’s important to have a strong core. Some good exercises to do at home are: Plank, Crunches, Supermans. If you have access to exercise equipment a kettle ball workout is great.
5. Train in all-weather – Get used to it, you may be hiking in the hot sun or a rain shower.
6. Try using trekking poles – We will be on some terrain where it might be nice to have them.
7. Have good footwear – The last thing you need is to get a blister that nags you all week. Make sure you have properly fitted Trekking boots and wear them before you leave home.
Chiara and Chris on the Monte Rosa