A lot of people are drawn to the idea of hiking because it’s a great way to get in shape. It can be challenging but rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than reaching the top after enduring the climb. But, if you don’t know how to prepare for your hike, you’ll quickly find out that it’s not all fun and games. If you want to enjoy your hike without feeling sore or exhausted, be sure you know how to get in shape for hiking.
What Is Hiking?
Hiking is a type of walking that usually takes place in a rural setting. Hikers walk over rough terrain for several hours at a time, usually along trails that are clearly marked and well maintained. Oftentimes, they carry all of their own equipment with them. This means hiking is an activity that takes significant physical preparation if you want to do it safely.
Tips Before Starting To Get Shape For Hiking
If you want to go on a hiking trip, but you’re not in the best shape at the moment, don’t worry! There are steps you can take to quickly and safely prepare for your hike. Here is how to get in shape for hiking.
Decide on your destination before you start worrying about your fitness. Because you’ll want to spend as much time as possible getting in shape for hiking, choose a place that’s close enough to get to.
Take some time to evaluate your eventual goal before beginning your hike. Try to drop some weight, if you can. Do you want to put on weight? Regardless, this will assist you in determining your fitness objectives. It will also assist you in determining how frequently you should trek and how many days per week you should set aside for training purposes.
How To Get In Shape For Hiking?
If you’re going to be hiking, you’ll need a different fitness plan than someone who is going on a flat hike near their home. You’ll have to focus on building overall body strength.
Wall Squats Builds Muscle In Your Lower Body
If you want to improve your muscle endurance, do a wall squat every day for 10 minutes. The more consistent you are with these squats, the better conditioned your legs will be. It’s a great way to get in shape for hiking!
Do A Routine Of Push-ups, Sit-ups, And Squats
These bodyweight exercises are ideal because, unlike running or cycling, they don’t require you to go anywhere. You can do them in your living room while watching TV! They’ll help you build muscle in your arms and core. Building your upper body width will also help you when the trail is steep.
Build A Range Of Motion
The capacity to increase your range of motion will result in increased strength and stability. Stretching is also beneficial for increasing overall flexibility, which comes in useful when participating in any physical activity. Spending 5 minutes each day stretching your arms, legs, chest, back, and shoulders will help you achieve this objective.
If you’re just getting started, stick to a simple regimen of walking for 10 minutes twice a day for the first several weeks. From then, it’s relatively simple to progress. Whatever you do, don’t push yourself too hard, because you could end up injuring yourself more severely.
Do Cardio
Getting this is as simple as taking a hike through the woods. Any time you move and cover a significant amount of territory, you are engaging in cardiovascular activity. If at all feasible, choose a trail that has an inclination or has uneven terrain to hike on. This will aid in the development of leg strength while also increasing the rate at which your heartbeats.
Plankings Are A Great Way To Strengthen Your Core
Don’t be afraid to try a plank! The intense workout will strengthen your arms and core. You should do it for at least 30 seconds every day to see results. Keep in mind, you have to do this consistently for the best effect. If you don’t, it’s going to feel like you’re wasting your time!
Don’t Forget To Stretch
When you’re finished with your workout, take some time to stretch your muscles out. This will serve as a cooldown, allowing you to chill down and recuperate from your previous actions.
Getting in shape for hiking will be easier if you strengthen your leg muscles. In any other case, steep hikes might induce leg pain! Strengthen your legs by doing wall squats or lunges before you go on your hike to avoid pain later on.
If you just follow one guideline from this list, make sure it is the one about “stretching.” This should be done prior to and after every workout session. When you stretch out your muscles before trekking, you’ll discover that it’s a lot easier to get into shape for the activity.
Advantages Of Getting In Shape Before Hiking
You don’t want to spend a single moment on the trail feeling exhausted. When you prepare for your hike, you’ll benefit from a few advantages:
- You won’t feel as sore after the hike
- You can go faster without getting tired
- You can push yourself further because you’re not tired
When you go on a hike, it can be tempting to push yourself too hard. After all, the only thing around you is nature! However, if your body isn’t ready for it, you’re going to pay for it later. If you want to be able to hike all day, prepare ahead of time. It’s the only way!
Conclusion
Hiking is an excellent activity. You can enjoy the fresh air, but you’ll also get a great workout! The only way you’ll be able to have fun on your hike is if you’re in shape for it. If you want to know how to get fit before hiking, follow this guide. It’s very easy once you have a plan that works for you!
Getting in shape will give you an entirely new experience on the trail. You’ll be able to go faster and further, without getting tired like you would on an average hike. If you want to have the best time possible, be sure to get in shape for hiking!
