How to Train for a Long Hiking Trip

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

So you’re finally ready to do it: heading out to the Grand Canyon in a month or two, you feel excited for all of the views you’re going to see. But are you ready for all of the exercise you’re going to get? If you need to shake off your hiking rust, this article will help whip you back into hiking shape so you can concentrate on the nature – not the nuisance.

There’s No Training Like the Real Thing

You might be putting in extra hours at the office in order to make sure that you can have this extended hiking trip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a few hiking jaunts on your own. If you can, bring your spouse on these hiking trips so that you both receive the benefits. If you venture out alone, make sure you don’t venture far off the beaten path – your goal is simply to re-acquaint yourself with the experience of hiking. If you must have adventure, make sure you bring equipment like a compass and GPS device.

Training Near or At Home

Of course, it’s not always possible to get out there and hike in the woods. How should you exercise and prepare today?

First, take a look at your daily routine. Whether you’re sitting on the couch all day or simply taking a daily walk, you might want to change things up to better reflect what you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’ve been avoiding that big hill on your walk, it’s time to take on the challenge. If your treadmill has an incline feature, be sure to make avid use of it.

Second, make sure you feel okay about leaving indoor civilization for hours at a time, even if your exercise routine keeps you on the treadmill. Ask yourself what you’d need to feel comfortable: plenty of water and snacks, sure. But also remember that on your hiking trip, you’ll want to bring gadgets like binoculars and a digital camera. Most importantly: be cautious and safe, and you should have plenty of fun.

Photo Credits: tricky ™

Take up Hiking in Three Steps

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

With the summer months rolling around, people all over the United States are always looking for new ways to get into the great outdoors and soak in some vitamin D. It’s easy to say you want to get more active this summer, but how many of us actually follow through on those promises? If you want to take up a sport this summer, why not take up hiking? Hiking will be easy to start and if you follow the three steps detailed in this article, you can kick-start a new habit in no time.

Step #1: Scouting.

If you’re going to be hiking this summer, the first thing you’ll need is a place to do it! Of course, this means that you’ll have to do a little investigating in your area. Take an hour or two and write down all of the potential spots you can find in your area – a simple Google search can yield some great hiking trails. Then take a Saturday some time in the next few weeks and check out these different areas – which trails seem to be your speed? Which trails seem like they’re for kids, and which ones are more your style? It wouldn’t hurt to take a little preview hike on some of these jaunts so that you know what to expect.

Step #2: Buying equipment.

You don’t necessarily need a whole lot of equipment if you’re going to become a hiker, but making sure that you’re stocked and ready to go can really help you to start the habit. Some people find it difficult to take up a new exercise or habit unless they’ve bought all of the necessary equipment. For example, new cyclists might not feel right until they have the right bike and the right helmet. Buying equipment will send a signal that says you’re ready for this new habit.

What kind of equipment can you expect to purchase in order to take up hiking? You’ll want to make sure to have a good pair of shoes as well as a backpack or bag to store food and water. Make sure that you have a good Nalgene water bottle. Some people enjoy ditching the technology when they get outdoors, but you can feel free to bring watches, cell phones, and even GPS watches with you.

Step #3: Get in shape – even before the season starts.

If you live in a cold-weather area, there’s a good chance that your local climate is just now starting to warm up and become more suitable for outdoor exercise again. Get in hiking shape by exercising your legs at least four or five times a week – a stepclimber inside a gym can be great for hiking practice. Don’t avoid hills – in fact, you’ll want to get used to them.

Photo Credits; elliottcable