3 ways to get in shape for hiking season

July 26, 2019

The mountains are calling... are your legs up for the challenge?

Ready or not, hiking season is here! Summer won’t last more than a few months, so it’s time to get outside and hike.

Do you need a bit of extra help to get you to the top? Here are three tips that might inspire and enable you to get in shape for hiking season.

Note: Always consult a physician before beginning a new exercise routine.

1. Train your legs

There’s a reason gym rats head to the mountains for leg day. Your glutes, calves, hamstrings and quads will be burning after a long day hiking. Get prepped by doing squats, lunges, knee raises and deadlifts. To add a cardio component, take to the Stairmaster.

If you’re willing to invest in a trainer, they can teach you personalized movements that will work best for your body. Another great option is a leg-specific fitness classes, or kickboxing studios like 9Round. If you really don’t want to go to the gym, there are a ton of fantastic workout videos online.

2. Set a SMART goal

New Years resolutions may be hard to stick to, but if you seriously set a goal, you’ll feel more motivated to meet it. To keep yourself accountable, tell a few friends. Even better, ask them to join you!

Remember to keep your goal SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

3. Practise positive self-talk

It might sound silly, but sometimes the biggest challenge to tackling a mountain is mental, not physical. Stop saying you’re out of shape and can’t do this. Respect your limits but keep your thoughts positive. Believe in yourself. You can do it!

PS. Want to get started right now?

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Interested?