People of all shapes, ages and walks of life can participate in mountain climbing. There are a number of ranges around the world that can match just about any skill level. Even a single mountain has many different routes for the novice and seasoned climber alike.
Mountain climbing is a strenuous physical exercise and requires a great deal of stamina and muscular endurance. To properly prepare for a climb, a person should know their weaknesses and limitations in the physical realm. A proper training regimen starts with the right timing. Start slowly about three to four months before the expedition begins.
Some great physical exercises to prepare for mountain climbing include stair climbing, biking, and skiing. Also, jogging with a training mask helps to simulate the lack of oxygen that comes from climbing at altitude. The goal of these exercises is to simulate many of the cardiovascular and strength requirements for mountain climbing and help a person gauge their level of physical performance.
Mountain climbing isn’t just a physical sport, it’s an expedition into the natural world. So, some survival precautions should be observed. For higher elevations and novice climbers, it’s important to carry supplies that pertain to survival-related needs of the climber.
A gear pack should contain emergency medical gear, warm blankets and bedding (for overnight climbs), signaling material such as flares or GPS radio, warm clothes and light clothes for hot days, and food to refuel the body. Other necessary items include gaiters, crampons, a helmet, LED headlamp, and water bottle. The gear pack should contain only essential items. Anything more could actually jeopardize the climber’s safety along the way.
Stamina and strength training are vital to the physical demands of the sport. Packing the right gear is crucial as well. However, the best way to prepare is simply to climb. Climbing not only helps to acclimate the body to higher altitudes but allows a person to build their muscle memory for the task at hand. Climbing also requires a person to practice loading and unloading their gear. It builds a familiarity with the equipment and tools that must become second nature for a serious climber. Slow and steady is the way to go, so make the time to properly prepare.
Featured Image from Hu Chen/Unsplash
