workouts to get in shape for hiking

heybiggal
heybiggal Posts: 3
in Fitness and Exercise
Any tips for getting into shape for doing some serious hiking?

Replies

  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Go hiking. :flowerforyou:


    Google state parks and trails around you and set out for some day trips, working up to longer and more strenuous trails.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    I'm backpacking through Peru in September and to help me get in shape for that I found the steepest, hilliest hikes and I walked/ran/crawled them over and over and over on the weekends.

    On weekdays I run, do a spin class here and there and strength train. I think all of it is helping me a lot. With hiking/backpacking strength and endurance have proven equally vital to me.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Go hiking. :flowerforyou:


    Google state parks and trails around you and set out for some day trips, working up to longer and more strenuous trails.

    end thread
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I find that more strenuous cardio is better preparation for hiking than walking or hiking are. If I've been biking up hills consistently, then hiking up hills with a backpack is no problem. Also, if you're hiking at high altitude, there is no substitute for high altitude acclimatization. Spending at least a day at altitude, and preferably several, makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
  • 1brokegal44
    1brokegal44 Posts: 562 Member
    Strenuous cardio is good, but the only real way to get in shape for hiking is to hike. Start small--short distances, small inclines, etc. and work up.
  • moxiept
    moxiept Posts: 200 Member
    I am interested in workouts to get in shape for hiking as well. We don't have steep mountains in my area and I don't live in a high altitude climate. I wonder can walking on the treadmill at high inclines help?
  • BigBadgerBetty
    BigBadgerBetty Posts: 6 Member
    My first hike of the season was slowed by hip pain. I would do running/walking uphill or step aerobics if you can't do hiking.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    To get in shape for hiking, you have to hike. Other things can assist with overall cardiovascular endurance and weight lifting will help strengthen the joints, tendons, and muscles...but you have to hike. It's kind of like saying what workouts to get in shape for running? Running of course...

    Just hike...doesn't necessarily have to be mountains and mountain trails...though that would be optimal if that's what you're training for...but you can just hike through town....make sure you're going up and down hills. Load up a pack with some bricks and make you pack progressively heavier...and hike progressively longer.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    I am interested in workouts to get in shape for hiking as well. We don't have steep mountains in my area and I don't live in a high altitude climate. I wonder can walking on the treadmill at high inclines help?

    I live near the beach... So basically 0 altitude. Unless you're planning on doing a hike at altitude I wouldn't worry about it. And if you are, give yourself 2 to 3 days ideally to acclimate.
  • heybiggal
    heybiggal Posts: 3
    Thanks! Great ideas! Time to turn up the cardio! I'll be hiking in Switzerland, so hopefully I can acclimate to the altitude.
  • kganc001
    kganc001 Posts: 317
    The people at my gym bring their packs, hike the incline on the treadmill all the way up and just GO. For forever. They usually do it late at night so they aren't hogging treadmills during busy times. :) That way they get used to not only the incline, but carrying the added weight of the pack. :)
  • ibleedunionblue
    ibleedunionblue Posts: 324 Member
    What I do to get ready to hike in Smokey Mountains: Treadmill - and crank up the incline.
  • imaginaryplaces
    imaginaryplaces Posts: 123 Member
    I've found that high intensity interval training twice a week has really helped increase my endurance on trails with major elevation gain. And using a a treadmill at high incline (try to not hold onto the rails) and a stair master have also helped.
  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    cardio
  • WalkingMermaid_
    WalkingMermaid_ Posts: 205 Member
    I once walked a 250 mile trail ... You gotta walk, walk, walk and WALK! Increase your distance gradually, push yourself hard, learn to deal with blisters and most of all, enjoy it :happy:
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    Don't discount strength training. Quad and calf strength AND endurance matter a lot on long uphill stretches. But the best thing to do is to be strong all over, especially in the core and lower body. Carrying a heavy pack is strenuous, but not really "good" for you as training, because it's hard on your joints. I prefer to get in great shape, and deal with the pack when I have to, to minimize the damage. Get a pack that fits you, and won't strain your neck, back, and shoulders, and then pack as lightly as you reasonably can. There's nothing you can do about the fact that water weighs a lot, other than carrying appropriate water purification gear and knowing what the water is like where you're hiking.
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