Mountaineering Training - Getting Into Shape

• Your primary concern before anything else should be your own physical condition. Have you gone to your doctor recently? Have a medical check up to know your current health condition, and minimize potential problems when you’re already doing strenuous exercises or Climbing the rough terrains.


• Know your strengths as well as your weaknesses, and work out on improving them. Your personal training routine will depend on what you would want to workout on and what your specific goals are.


• Take some time to stretch. Stretching exercises to relax muscle tensions should be done prior to your regular trainings and before the Climb itself. This activity would make your muscles flexible, and thus prevent strains and injuries.


• Learn some breathing exercises. An important aspect in Climbing or in any physical activity is knowing how to breathe properly, so as not to lose your breath and get tired easily. Train your body to breath efficiently, and increase your capacity.


• Workout on your cardiovascular stamina. Mountain Climbers should always be on the go. Try different physical activities that would keep you going and test your endurance. Walk, run, bike, walk up and down the stairs, or engage in sports. These variety of activities will strengthen your muscles, and develop strong legs suitable for the Climb.


• For your upper-body strength, do regular push-ups and sit-ups. An overall fitness program is necessary to Mountaineering. Work on your upper back, lower back and abdominal muscles.


• Mountaineering involves a lot of Climbing, especially in irregular slopes and rough terrains. Develop your Climbing skills by engaging on activities such as rappelling, wall Climbing, Rock Climbing or Hiking.


• As part of your technical training, get used to Climbing with a heavy load on your back. Do not settle with Climbing up and down the stairs. As you progress, carry a backpack while doing the exercise. The actual Mountaineering activity requires you to carry a pack as you tread a rough trail. Challenge yourself as you go further by taking on difficult hikes and adding up your load.


• Furthermore, get used to walking on rough terrains and rugged pathways. A mountain’s trail is not flat and smooth. Try trekking on rocky roads or a nearby place with grounds that are not yet asphalted. This will make your movement in mountains more efficient.


• Lastly, anticipate difficulty. Increasing the level of your exercise to develop your body condition and endurance. Challenge yourself, this will greatly prepare to the difficulties on your actual adventure.