HOW TO PREPARE FOR TREKKING
Am I too out-of-shape for an adventure trek on the mountains ?
It's the number one question asked by so many aspiring trekkers. It's the nagging worry that especially 50+ adventurers from taking the plunge on the vacation of their dreams, and that is a shame because anyone who loves the outdoors is a good candidate for an adventure tour. Of course, that doesn't mean there are not things you can do to prepare before your trip to make it more enjoyable.
A little investment in your overall fitness before you go pays big dividends in terms of what you can accomplish out on the trail. That does not mean you have to join the gym or punish yourself with a triathlon-level training regimen. There are lot of common-sense steps you can start right now to get yourself ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
So, if you are a 50+ adventurer and wondering where to start, try these 9 fitness tips to give yourself the confidence to achieve your personal goals.
1. Give yourself time to prepare -
In general, it can take your body from three weeks to three months to really see a significant improvement in your fitness level and to respond to a change in routine. So, if you have already booked your trip, you should get started now !
2. Focus on your cardiovascular fitness -
The American College id Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week for people 50+ with at least 30 minute sessions at a time. The best aerobic activities for mature athletes are swimming, cycling, brisk walking or jogging, all of which are great preparation for an adventure like exploring the Himalayas. Even if you can not get outdoors or make it to the gym, there are lots of great cardio exercises you can do at home to get your heart pumping. Jumping jacks, half-jacks, squats, leg raises, hops, and even planks-jacks are great body weight exercises that require no special equipment or skill.
If you are doing a trekking adventure on the Himalayas at higher altitudes, then High-Intensity training (HIIT) is particularly beneficial because it improves both aerobic and anaerobic fitness and prepares your body for the bursts of strength you will need on your climb. HIIT sounds more complicated than it really is - it's simply adding a short period of more strenuous exertion into your daily walking, jogging, swimming, or biking routine. For example, if you take a 45 minute brisk walk, try to jog 30 to 60 seconds every 5 to 10 minutes of your walk. Same if you swim or bike, add a few sprints during your usual routine.
A note of caution for you mountain adventurers : Even if you are in pretty good shape, it's important not to push yourself too hard at higher altitudes. Exertion is a key driver of altitude sickness.
3. Focus on leg strength -
Strength training is is generally a good idea for athletes of all ages, but for hikers, leg strength is essential for an enjoyable experience. Your legs are doing the bulk of the work, after all. Lunges, squats,and calf raises are all good exercises you can do at home. Try slowly stepping on and off a step or exercise platform, gradually increasing the height as you progress. Setting your treadmill at a higher incline is also great preparation, or just walking up a few hills on your evening stroll.
4. You need a strong back to carry your pack -
Your adventure backpack and few bottles of water are a portable gym to help you get in shape just about anywhere. Strap on your pack and practice "step-ups". This will get your calves and back ready for the weight you will be carrying on a hike. Walking up and down the stairs with your backpack is also great training. Push-ups and planking with a loaded pack build up essential muscles in your core, shoulders, and your upper body that you will need on longer treks.
5. Don't neglect your core -
Focus on your core. Your core muscles are your abdominal, back muscles, and the muscles in your pelvis and they give you balance and flexibility, and underpin just about every other physical activity you will do on an active adventure. Crunches, bridges, and planks are some of the best exercises to build a strong core. You can tune up your core by sitting on an exercise ball while you read or watch TV at night, step up your core fitness game with these stability ball exercises.
6. Enhance your lung capacity -
Daily do Deep Breathing Exercises at least once in a day (preferably in the morning), just remember that your stomach should be some what empty. This you should do during all the 2/3 months of preparation. This is most essential when going for a high altitude trek. Also, this boosts your stamina during long hikes.
For deep breathing exercises, refer to my blog titled - "How To Improve Your Lung Capacity For High Altitude Treks" - Dated : 4th. July, 2021.
Or , watch on my YOUTUBE channel - " fitnessfun50 " .
7. Keep it balanced -
This sounds too simple to mention , but few minutes spent improving your balance can prevent injuries on your trip and give you more stability when you climb. Walking heel-to-toe with your arms out at your side and your eyes looking straight ahead is an easy and effective balance exercise. So, simply standing on one foot for 30-60 seconds at a time (longer if you can manage before switching to the other foot. There are some easy exercises to improve your static and dynamic balance (and you will need both on the trail).
8. Don't forget the practice hikes -
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Now the time to put all those exercises to work for you with a few practice hikes. Look for places with variable terrain and elevation so you can get the feel for how your body responds to the stresses and areas where you may want to improve. Remember to wear your pack and toss in a few water bottles, adding more as you progress, so you can get used to handling your body with a weighted pack.
The practice hikes are essential for one more extremely important reason - you will get a chance to break in your boots, or buy a new pair of the ones you have are not supporting you correctly. There is nothing worse than hitting the trail with a pair of painful, poorly fitting boots. Remember that new boots rarely feel great out of the box. The lighter models may break in with just few hikes, but some of the sturdier leather ones may take weeks to really conform to your feet. keep that in mind if you are considering a new pair of hikers before your trip.
9. Mental preparation is important -
Fear is the enemy when it comes to trying something new. Combat it with physical preparation - knowing you are doing positive things to get your body ready for the trip.
Focus on the "why'', the personal benefit you hope to attain by completing an adventure : "I want to hike the Himalayan trail because I will ............. ". Keep that benefit firmly in mind when you are feeling discouraged, both in your preparations and on the trail.
Finally, visualise success. See yourself standing on the vast Tibetan Plateau or hiking Everest Base Camp trail. Seeing success is the first step towards achieving it. Don't be afraid of a little self-doubt, it happens to everyone, even the most well-prepared. But you can combat it by knowing why you are taking an adventure tour in the first place and what success looks like to you.
Of course, a really knowledgeable and supportive trip leader / guide can make all the difference, too.
Final Thoughts -
You do not have to be in the best shape of your life to have a memorable and successful adventure tour. But it helps to give yourself confidence with a little preparation before you go for your dream trek. Just remember, no matter how you feel when you leave, you will return renewed, refreshed, and alive with a sense of accomplishment.
If you are ready to take the next step and start planning your own active adventure, why not mention your trek goals in the comment section below.
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