Training Tips For Trail Hiking
hikers enjoy trails
There are a million reasons to be a lover of the outdoors. The fresh air in the woods can feel invigorating after spending weeks trapped in the city. Hearing the birds sing in the branches and seeing the creepy crawlers rustle the leaves is another reason some people love trail hiking. Other people, meanwhile, just enjoy spending time outside and hiking on trails because it is a much more pleasant form of exercise than running in place on a treadmill inside of a gym in a giant building with lots of other sweaty people. The solitude, the scenery, and the sounds are just better outside. But it’s important that if you are going to be going on a trail hike that you take some basic precautions and train yourself to be prepared for the trail hike ahead. Below are some training tips for trail hiking. Make sure you follow them before your next trail hike – whatever your reason is for getting outside.
TRAIL TRAINING TIP #1 – Pick the right trail.
The first thing anyone preparing for a trail hike needs to do is to select the right trail. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Are you a beginner? Then don’t choose the biggest, hardest, longest, coldest trail in the area. Start with something easier. The Appalachian Trail, for example, is one that should only be braved by experienced trail hikers during the cold months. If there is snow on the ground on the trail you’ve chosen, find a different trail with less snow. Even a moderate trail will get exponentially more dangerous after a snowfall.
TRAIL TRAINING TIP #2 – Exercise your hiking muscles.
Even if you are generally pretty physically fit, it makes sense to do some exercises with a specific focus on the muscles you will use on the trail hike you are planning to go on. The most important muscles are, unsurprisingly, those in your legs. Make sure you exercise your calves, your thighs, your quads, and your ankles. You should also focus on your core – try Pilates for that. Cardiopulmonary exercise, meaning exercise that works on your lungs and heart, also should be done to make sure you are in top hiking condition. That includes running and jumping rope.
TRAIL TRAINING TIP #3 – Get the right gear.
You can’t go on a trail hike without being prepared with the right gear unless you want to find yourself in serious trouble. Make sure your boots, specifically, are comfortable and fit you correctly. You should also make sure that your backpack fits well on your hips and shoulders. It can be dangerous to go on a hike with poorly fitting boots and a pack that is too big or too small. You should also be prepared with plenty of water, the right snacks, a compass, and all the other accouterment.
TRAIL TRAINING TIP #4 – Learn basic First Aid.
It is also a good idea to train yourself to know how to deal with minor and serious health problems that can occur on the trail. If you are hiking alone, you may need to apply your medical knowledge to yourself. If you are hiking with a partner, you should all sign up for the first aid class together. Learn how to put a sling on a broken arm and how to perform CPR. These skills can’t hurt and having them can save lives.
About the author: Kennith Campbell writes for UltraSlide. Kennith enjoys reviewing sideboards and other fitness equipment.
