Trek Training
The majority of people taking part in these
events are not usually experienced trekkers.
It is therefore imperative that you follow a
reasonably serious course of training in order
to get the maximum benefit.
The trekking events are not a stroll in the
park but are designed to be a challenge, so
training is essential - the more prepared you
are the more you will enjoy yourself!
The amount of training required will depend
on your current degree of fitness. If you haven’t
exercised for some time, you should seek your
GP's advice.
When training, always make sure you warm up
and cool down, stretching major muscle groups
to avoid injury and keeping covered up beforehand
and afterwards.
How should I start training?
If you have not walked for some time, you
should begin by walking 2-3 times a week for
around an hour. Whatever your level of fitness,
it is better to do four separate hour-long walks
than one long walk per week.
Once you get into your training, you should
increase weekend walks to around three hours,
with one or two stops en route. Build up the
hours you are walking, so that one month before
departure you can hike for around 6-7 hours
a day over steep terrain. We strongly suggest
you take a weekend off and trek both days as
this will get you used to multi-day hiking.
Training outdoors
Whilst training outside, you should always
wear the boots and socks you plan to wear for
the event. You should also get used to carrying
a small daypack weighing around 4-5kg.
Your daypack should include water, snacks,
a compass and a small medical kit. It’s
also a good idea to tell someone where you are
going and take a mobile phone with you if possible.
It is essential you find stretches of hilly
terrain to get used to more strenuous hiking
and get your feet and ankles strong enough for
uneven ground. You must also practice walking
up and downhill - downhill in particular can
be very hard on the knees (many hikers find
trekking poles very useful).
Training indoors
It is always better to train outdoors, but
work and family commitments may make this difficult
during the week. In this case, you should do
other forms of exercise - join a gym, for example,
and ask a fitness instructor to set a programme
for you. Stepping, jogging, uphill walking on
the treadmill and aerobic classes will quickly
increase your overall stamina and fitness.
The treks may appear daunting if you have never
done anything like this before, but they are
not competitive in any way - there are no prizes
for getting to camp first, and you will be encouraged
to walk at your own pace. The Ultimate Travel
Company staff and guides will offer you plenty
of support and encouragement to help you complete
and enjoy the challenge!
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