Trekking in the wild or just taking a day hike at a local mountain park can be fun and a physically intense adventure. Trainers and adventure tour guides say you should not avoid active travel because you fear physical limitations will hold you back, but you should take responsibility for keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Any healthy person can train for any adventure activity as long as they commit to focused, regular training for at least 16 weeks, according to the experts. Train for strength throughout the trip by combining resistance and endurance workouts.
Don’t assume you’re ready because you work out regularly in the gym. Don’t mistake walking on the treadmill for hiking on rugged terrain. Test out nearby trails with weights in a backpack. You’ll find muscles reacting differently. Don’t delay your training until the last few days before departure.
Musculoskeletal health depends on stretching as well as cardio and core strength. Try a few yoga movements before a cardio-heavy hike.
Take care of your feet. Break in your shoes well before an adventure so that you don’t suffer blisters and hotspots. Regularly change your socks on the trail to keep feet clean and dry. Learn how to treat hotspots and blisters.