| Getting in shape before the start of hiking season is | | | | body to exchange oxygen & carbon dioxide |
| a good way to increase endurance and prevent | | | | between the body and the air. You'll be easily winded |
| injuries. By doing some lower body exercises now, | | | | at first but don't' be discouraged. Jogging and hill |
| you can make sure you won't be stiff & sore once | | | | climbing will quickly improve your cardio performance. |
| you start hitting the trails. | | | | Start off with easy routes and then escalate to |
| What Type of Hiking Terrain will you be Trekking? - | | | | longer and steeper jaunts. Advance when you no |
| Knowing what type of terrain you'll be trekking | | | | longer have to stop to catch your breath. |
| through will help dictate your pre-hiking workouts. If | | | | Flexibility - Limber muscles help prevent injuries and |
| you going to hike at elevation, for instance in the | | | | cramps. Before and after each workout, stretch the |
| Canadian Rockies, then you can focus on leg strength | | | | muscle fibers. Holding the stretching posture for 1 |
| and better cardio performance. Jogging uphill will | | | | minute will help retain and increase flexibility over the |
| greatly increase your cardio capacity and help reduce | | | | long term (it's painful but long-lasting). Holding a |
| recovery time. Know what kind of territory you'll be | | | | stretch for a shorter duration will only have |
| exploring and plan your workouts accordingly. | | | | temporary benefits that will last for the just the |
| Legs - The leg muscles are the largest muscle group | | | | duration of the workout. |
| in the body and only respond to rigorous training. | | | | Joints - Injuries to knees and ankles are the most |
| Extended walks and jogging will help build endurance | | | | common for hikers. By strengthening the supporting |
| while hill climbing will increase strength (increasing | | | | muscles & ligaments around these joints, hikers can |
| muscle-size is only done with weightlifting). Walk | | | | help prevent injuries when they slip or stumble. Stair |
| around your neighborhood and then attempt a few | | | | climbing will quickly build strength in the quads. |
| hills. The steeper the incline, the harder the workout. | | | | Exaggerating the upward movement by standing on |
| Cardio - Cardio performance is the ability of your | | | | one's toes will help build the calf muscles. |