Hiking, Backpacking & Trekking

Hiking, backpacking and trekking are generally performed in wilderness terrain for durations varying anywhere from 30 minutes to extended periods of time (several hours per day).

Hiking is considered to be an excursion with a light pack that lasts a single day, while backpacking involves carrying heavier packs for trips that last multiple days. Trekking is the most extreme of the three, with trips lasting weeks or even months over extreme and often mountainous terrain.

All three sports rely heavily on aerobic fitness and lower body strength. Specific strength training that mimics your sport is vital while cardiovascular cross training will load the aerobic system in preparation for your adventure, and prevent muscle imbalances that can be caused by doing the same movement repetitively. Flexibility and core stability will help you develop a solid foundation for functional movement and the demands placed on your body from carrying the load of your backpack.

Balance and agility training are also very important components of a training program for these sports as it will condition your body to move across the uneven terrains that the “outdoor gym” offers.

Trail running is also performed in wilderness terrain, but at a higher intensity and carrying a minimal load. Training differs from the above three activities to reflect this higher intensity. The absence of a heavy pack causes the approach to strength training to become focused on maintaining a balance of strength, particularly in the upper legs. It is however of prime important to get adequate preparation and conditioning that reflects the undulating terrain encountered on many trail runs.

Flexibility training and running shoes carefully chosen for your body type and running style are a must for preventing overuse injuries.

Contact us today for your personalized hiking specific personal training program and reach summits you've always dreamed of!