What are the best exercises to do to prep my body for a long backcountry hike?
One more thing you can add to your training is rucking (training with weighted back pack). It should include both strength and cardio training. By adjusting the weight in your ruck you control the intensity of your workouts. Just make sure you don’t have any medical conditions/limitations that would limit the use of a weighted ruck on your back.
Hi Billy,
I’m sure your trip is over by now, but for future ones this is what I would suggest to get in shape for a backcountry trip:
-Try to carry your backpack as many hours during the day as you can.
-Add stair climbing into your everyday routine or workouts.
-Go for long walks and/or runs on hills, dirt road and sand.
-Lower body strength and endurance training is a must.
-Engage in a cross training exercise program that emphasizes overall physical conditioning, such as interval training, aerobic classes (involving running, spinning, swimming, etc.).
-Pay attention to your nutrition and stay hydrated.
-Wear the same shoes/boots that you would be using in your trip as many hours per day as you can even when you are working out if possible.
Best,
Harris
Hi Billy. Obviously my answer here is for ‘future’ hikes 🙂 Assuming medical clearance to exercise and hike, I would say cardiovascular training (both steady-state and interval work), flexibility (this is a key, because I know that for myself after a long hike, my hips and hamstrings can be a bit sore), pushups and other body weight exercises, and definitely strength work for the lower body (e.g. squats, lunges, leg presses – including single leg presses).
I hope that you had a great hiking experience, and that my answer helps a bit.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
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