subject: How To Increase Stamina And Strength For Hiking [print this page] So many of us work in sedentary occupations, so are not exercising or strengthening our body during these working hours. To then decide to embark on a long or arduous walk in the hills or mountains could actually be damaging to your health if your body is not suitably prepared. So preparing for hiking is not just about wearing the right hiking shoes or outdoor clothing.
Statistics show that adults in western industrial societies suffer from a range of ailments that are due to poor posture and the body not being used ergonomically. For example a lot of short term spells of back pain can be caused by over straining or over stretching the back to lift or pick something up. Similarly we are more likely to undergo or cause injuries when heading out to the hills for a demanding hike for a day or weekend without first strengthening the body's muscles, joints and ligaments. A sufficient level of cardiac health and well-being could also be necessary to avoid shortness of breath or even heart attacks, especially when ascending and descending uneven ground at higher altitudes.
There now exists a wide range of exercise regimes to choose from to combat the common weaknesses that occur in the body that can lead to injury, pain and weakness. Some are more gentle and based around mindfulness and strengthening the body. Others can be more aerobic and useful for building up general cardiac health and stamina. For example Pilates, an exercise program designed by Josef Pilates has become a very popular way of building up core strength focusing on activating and strengthening the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. This can be particularly useful for hiking, as carrying the body and a rucksack when hiking can be demanding on the back and body in general. You can join pilates classes at your local gym or leisure centre, find a tutor to work one to one, or even buy a book or DVD.
More aerobic exercise may be very useful for increasing strength and stamina in the heart, circulation and body in general. A fitness regime designed for you by a fitness instructor can be a great way of building up for more challenging walks. Aerobic classes and circuits training can also be a fun and effective method of getting fitter and stronger. Then you need to make sure you are equipped in the right hiking shoes or boots and outdoor clothing for your hiking expeditions. You can wear in and get used to your hiking shoes and outdoor clothing while undertaking your exercise regime. Then you are even more prepared for a fun and healthy time in the Great Outdoors.