Many walkers and hikers find that they can hike for miles on relatively level terrain without any real problem, but as soon as they start hiking uphill they run into trouble.
Their speed slows to a crawl and they get out of breath very quickly. It doesn’t have to be this way! Here are some tips on how to hike uphill more effectively:
So, how to get better at hiking uphill? You can get faster at hiking, there are definitely a few things you can do to make it easier on your body and your brain. And when we say “hiking uphill,” we mean any time the angle of the trail is greater than about 10 degrees from horizontal.
Keep reading for our tips on how to get better at hiking uphill
How to Walk Uphill
Here are a few tips on how to walk uphill that can help you get more speed and endurance when you head up a steep trail:
1. For starters, focus on your form
Try to keep your back straight and engage the muscles in your core and legs as you walk. This will give you better balance and allow you to keep moving without feeling like you’re going to topple over.
2. Take shorter strides when you’re walking uphill
This might feel like you’re not making as much progress, but it actually helps you conserve energy because you’re not expending as much effort with each step.
3. Try to keep your breathing regular when you’re hiking uphill
It’s easy to get out of breath, but forcing yourself to breathe more slowly and steadily can help you maintain your energy and speed for longer.
4. Don’t forget about the importance of rest when you’re hiking uphill
Stop often to take a water break or just sit down for a minute and catch your breath. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll only end up slowing down in the long run.
5. Try to stay positive when you’re hiking uphill
It can be tough, but remember that everyone has to hike uphill at some point! Just focus on putting one foot in front of the other and you’ll eventually make it to the top.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to hike uphill with ease! Just remember to take your time, focus on your form, and stay hydrated. Soon enough, you’ll be a pro at hiking uphill.
Top Benefits of Walking Uphill
Work Different Leg Muscles
– When you walk on a level surface, the same muscles in your legs do the majority of the work. However, when you walk uphill, different muscles have to step in to help out.
This can lead to better muscular balance and development over time and you can lose weight by hiking.
Burn More Calories
Simply put, the steeper the hill, the more energy it will take to climb it. If you want to hike faster or for longer periods of time, you need to increase your calorie burn.
The best way to do that is by walking uphill with a light pack, since carrying extra weight will make hiking even more challenging and therefore require more energy. If you aren’t carrying a pack, try walking faster to burn more calories per minute.
Increase Exercise Intensity
You may find it helpful to increase the intensity of your workouts leading up to a hiking trip, particularly if you plan on doing a lot of uphill hiking.
That way, your leg muscles will be better prepared for the challenge and you’ll be less likely to get fatigued quickly.
Try adding some hill work to your runs or walks, or even doing some strength-training exercises specifically for your legs.
Start Slow
If you’re not used to hiking uphill, it’s important to start slow and ease your way into it. That means picking a trail that isn’t too steep, and taking lots of breaks if you need to.
It’s always better to have a good time hiking than to push yourself too hard and end up having a miserable experience.
With these tips, you’ll be able to hike uphill more easily and enjoy your time on the trail even more!
Exercises That Are Great For Uphill Hiking
Squats
Squats are a great exercise for building up the muscles in your legs, which will come in handy when hiking uphill. Try doing 3 sets of 10-12 squats two or three times a week.
Lunges
Lunges are another great exercise to help improve your uphill hiking abilities. They will really work your hamstrings and quads, as well as your glutes and core muscles.
Aim for 3 sets of 10 lunges with each leg, moving slowly and focusing on proper form.
Climbing Stairs
If you don’t have access to a hill, climbing stairs is a great way to simulate the experience of hiking uphill. Start by walking up a flight of stairs, then walking back down.
Repeat this until you reach exhaustion, and aim for 3-5 sets.
Inclined Treadmill
If you have access to a treadmill, you can use it to help prepare for uphill hiking. Start by walking at a moderate pace on a flat surface, then gradually increase the incline until you’re walking at a 45-degree angle.
Hold this position for 2-3 minutes, then lower the incline and continue walking at a normal pace. Repeat as necessary.
Is Cycling Good For Hiking?
You might be wondering if cycling can help you prepare for hiking, and the answer is yes! Cycling is a great way to build up the muscles in your legs, and it can also help improve your endurance.
If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to training, cycling is a great way to get in a quick workout.
Final Thoughts– How To Get Better At Hiking Uphill
Hiking uphill can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with a little bit of preparation. By following these tips and incorporating some of these exercises into your routine, you’ll be able to hike uphill with ease in no time!
