One of the best and most fulfilling ways to see the most of nature and enjoy outdoor life is by going on a backpacking trip or hike. Indeed, there are few better ways to experience such a deep level of accomplishment. However, if you have not done much hiking in the time frame of your trip, it is crucial that you start strengthening your muscles and improving your endurance before you take one step on your journey.
Here are a few important pre-trip tips to get your body ready for the adventure. By preparing your body for the physical demands of a backpacking trip, you will be certain to enjoy the experience more while reducing your risk of injury. Follow these tips, and you will be ready to tackle all that awaits you in the wild outdoors.
Cardio Exercise
General cardio exercise before your trip is a must. This gets your heart and metabolism ready for action. Try to do at least three separate cardio workouts per week. Each should be at least 30 to 45-minutes in length, and gradually become more intense. Two weeks of this will greatly help improve your flexibility, endurance, and overall physical condition.
Leg Exercises
Leg-focused workouts are also a must. On the hike, you will be using a lot of calf and thigh power. Focus on these groups with leg-specific exercises like stair climbing or squats. Also try to work these areas specifically, several times a week.
Practice Carrying Weight
Your backpack will have some weight on the real trip. Condition yourself to supporting this weight by carrying a backpack several times over the course of the weeks leading up to the trip. Start light and work your way up to the intended weight, with sessions averaging about 30 minutes each.
Stretching
While physically preparing your heart, legs, and upper body for the trip, remember to fit in plenty of stretches. Stretching helps to heal the muscles and keep them in correct, elastic form and proportion. It also re-establishes blood flow and oxygen throughout your core. This really helps the body to be ready for anything physical.
Nutrition & Hydration
You can do countless workout routines, but without adequate nutrition and hydration, the body can only perform so well. Make sure you are getting the proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, and drink at least a gallon of water per day — even more if you are participating in high-intensity activities.
Featured Image from Bruno Nascimento/Unsplash
