How Do You Keep In Shape For Hiking?

[WhiteMTHike]

I'm posting this to get an idea of what some of you on this board do to keep in shape for those long hikes. Sorry if I left anybody's favorite exercise out. I voted for all 4.

 

[Waumbek]

I hike. I try to do 1000-1500' of elevation 3 to 4 times a week to get in shape. I can then push that to 3000' or 4000' with no problem. Length is less critical to me than ascent. When the bugs get really awful, I jump on a bike for fun.

 

[forty8]

I have found running to be perfect training, for me. But, it doesn't work in the reverse.

 

[ADK4Life]

I walk every day, it makes for an easy approach.

 

[Puck]

I use a combo of the first three. I use weights squats, deadlifts, leg extensions, and a bunch of upper body. I also hike a 200' headwall near my house.

Dont' forget the importance of mental training. Read the trip reports and hike vicariously.

 

[Mark_Goodearl]

All 4!

Cardio 3x per week, plus some resistance training 3x to 5x per week, plus hiking whenever possible. The 12oz curls are done at random.

 

[expat]

Stairmaster

Stairmaster machine. For best results, turn around, facing away from the display, and use it that way. It will take some time to get the balance to do that, but it's worth it. It's good for the quads and the glutes. You'll need to do something else for the calves.

 

[Double Bow]

I do a cardio glide machine at the gym about 3x a week as well as weight training while there. Stretches are done EVERYWHERE (shower, at desk at work, etc)!!!

The 12oz curls are done with greater frequency...

 

[carole]

I hike. (Message to short... ) okay, I hike.

 

[anita514]

walking, light jogging, squats, push ups, sit ups/crunches..
I was going to the gym in winter/early spring, but haven't been in almost a month. when I *was* going, I'd do an hour of cardio (stair mill and treadmill) and then work on my arms and abs, about 3 times per week.
In the summer, I prefer to just get out there and hike.

 

[bobandgeri]

Hike, the gym, alternate sports such as cycling and soccer.

 

[WhiteMTHike]

Stairmaster machine. For best results, turn around, facing away from the display, and use it that way. It will take some time to get the balance to do that, but it's worth it. It's good for the quads and the glutes. You'll need to do something else for the calves.

Interesting idea. All the times I've been on the Stairmaster I've never thought to do it that way. I imagine it also works the hamstrings (a hikers best friend) pretty good.

Since I'm always looking for new ideas to add to my workouts, I think I'll try this one. Sounds like it'll help greatly while ascending the trails. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Jay H]

I tend to bike. Alot.

Jay

 

[Neil]

For me, running is the King of Cardio. I hate going to the gym, just can't stand it. Allthough the pounding of running can be tough on the knees I find it stresses/stimulates the quads, calves and butt muscles in a way that can't be beat especially running on a hilly course.
I find an easy pace then increase my speed until a part of my brain asks me to stop then I hold that for 3 to 6 miles. Lately, I've increased my stride length on the premise that this will help for those crazy steep trails, slides and bushwhacks in the ADKs.
The good thing about doing cardio is that the better cardio shape you are in the less muscle sugar you will consume on hikes. (Trust me, this is a good thing. )

I avoid running one or sometimes two days before a hike.

 

[snowshoe]

I like to mix things up. I will Mt bike, run, do fast paced short hikes, and XC ski. For me it is easy to work out since I get paid to do all the above

 

[brianW]

this poll is unfair!!!!!!! I need to vote 12oz. curls and just hike

 

[WhiteMTHike]

You should have been able to do just that. I set it up with checkboxes instead of radio buttons. I voted for all 4, gotta give those 12 oz. curls a vote!

 

[trailcloud]

depends

Depending on what time of year it is. I am either running,biking or some combination of both. And then for fun it's either mountain bike,xc/skiing or snowshoeing. Which makes it seem like I'm not even training !!

 

[Head]

Weights...3 times a week....and HEAVY. Hike on the weekends. Some cardio (mt. biking, climbing, etc.)

 

[kmac]

hike training

running everyday, upper and lower body strength training with weights 4x a week-----and a really healthy diet--