Top 3 Tips To Help You Train for Your Next Hike

Few things are more refreshing and fulfilling than a long hike on a beautiful nature trail. The only downside is that it can punish your body, especially if you’re a beginner. If your last trek took its toll on your body and you want to be better prepared this time, you need to read our top three tips to help you train for your next hike.

Target and Train Your Hiking Muscles

Did you feel sore all over for days after your last hike? Hiking punishes your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles, ankles, and feet. Those muscles exert a ton of energy while hiking, but now you know how to prepare for next time. Before your next hike, target those muscles in workouts so you can go further and faster on your next trek.

If you want something for your home to help get you ready, we have stair stepper machines for sale that’ll get your legs in top shape! In addition, squats, calf raises on stairs, and lunges are simple things you can do by yourself to target the muscles you’ll use the most while hiking. Resistance band training, like lateral band walks, is also great for those key leg muscles.

Strengthen Your Lung Capacity

A good hike will take its toll on your cardiovascular system, especially if you’re climbing to higher altitudes. Avoid doubling over to catch your breath every 100 feet on your next trek by working on your lung capacity.

There are many simple exercises to strengthen your lungs, like walking or jogging on a treadmill with an incline every day. Also, consider breathing exercises which you can do daily. They only take a few minutes and make a big difference.

Train With Your Hiking Supplies

The difference between regular exercise at a gym and hiking is the gear and equipment you’re using. If you hike with a backpack, which is highly recommended, do your workouts wearing a weighted backpack so your body is used to the added weight.

Don’t save your new boots for your first hike. Take a long walk in your new boots beforehand; it’ll toughen up your feet and break in your boots so they’re more comfortable. Now, your body and your hiking gear have adjusted to one another, so you’ll be comfortable on your next hike.

If you follow our top three tips to help you train for your next hike, we’re sure that you’ll be flying down that trail! Develop a routine for targeting your hiking muscles, try some breathing exercises for your lung capacity, and break in your hiking gear. Your next hike will be your best one yet!