What are the best exercises to do to prep my body for a long backcountry hike?

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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