How To Train For Hiking & Backpacking: Tips For Preparing For The Trail

Training for hiking is super important to prevent injuries and help you gain confidence before hitting the trail.

Remember, there is no “right” way to hike – whether you’re fast or slow, bagging peaks, or just walking the local trails, hiking is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Establish a Basic Stretching and Exercise Routine

Working a few gentle stretches and exercises into your day can help build up strength and length in the muscles so that you feel strong on the trail.

Start Building Your Lung Capacity

To help prevent shortness of breath while hiking, it’s important to build up your lung capacity and improve cardiovascular health.

Go for a Hike

Consistency is key to building up more endurance and greater lung capacity on a hike. It might sound cliché but the more you get out there and hike, the easier it will be to gain strength.

Commit to a Training Routine

When it comes to committing, you need to find a training schedule that works for you. If you hate mornings, don’t sign up for a 6am boot camp.

Give Your Body the Right Fuel

It’s also important to fuel your body with the right stuff while doing training hikes – check out our blog post on the best hiking snacks for easy, healthy ideas.

Be Kind to Yourself

I wasn’t always a hiker – in fact, I really struggled when I first started getting into outdoor activities. You can do this, and I promise the benefits of hiking will be worth it.

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