Why having a good fitness is important for your next trekking holiday
Are you planning a trekking holiday and wondering if training is really necessary? The answer is a resounding yes. Not preparing for a trek can lead to a number of serious mistakes that can negatively impact your overall experience. From injuries, to struggling to keep up with the group, to not being able to fully enjoy the trek, not preparing enough may have serious consequences, or bring an early end to your holiday.
Here, we will explore the reasons why preparation is essential for a successful and enjoyable trekking experience, and why neglecting to build up your fitness is a serious mistake that should be avoided at all costs. So, whether you're planning a short hike or a multi-day trek with Adventures Unlimited, read on to find out why training is key to having a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Having good fitness when going for a trekking holiday can provide several advantages:
Increased endurance: Good fitness can help increase your endurance and stamina, allowing you to trek for longer periods of time and tackle more challenging terrain.
Reduced risk of injury: Being physically fit can help reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, and muscle soreness, which can occur during a trek.
Faster pace: Good fitness can help you maintain a faster pace, allowing you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time and make the most of your trekking holiday.
Better overall experience: Being physically fit can make the trekking experience more enjoyable, as you will have more energy, and will be able to enjoy the scenery and nature more fully.
Increased flexibility: Good fitness can help increase your flexibility, which can help you navigate uneven and rocky terrain, and reduce the risk of injury.
Better acclimatization: Good fitness can help you to better acclimatize to high altitude, this is because a good cardiovascular system can help you to transport oxygen more efficiently to the body, reducing the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Better preparation for unexpected situations: Good fitness can help prepare you for unexpected situations, such as an unplanned overnight stay or an emergency evacuation, as you will have the energy and strength to handle the situation.
Being in good physical shape is essential for anyone planning a trek. With the right preparation and training, you can make sure that you are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Here are some of Adventures Unlimited's Get Ready for the Mountains training regime which we have prepared for our participants to join on a weekly basis.
1. BUKIT TIMAH TRAINING CIRCUIT / MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
Working out at Bukit Timah Hill can certainly help prepare you for a high altitude trek. Bukit Timah Hill is one of the highest points in Singapore, and it offers a challenging workout with steep inclines and uneven terrain.
By training on Bukit Timah Hill, you can improve your cardiovascular fitness, as well as your leg strength and endurance. The steep inclines will help you build the leg muscles you need to handle the steep terrain of a high altitude trek. It also improves your balance and flexibility which is essential to navigate the uneven terrain. Additionally, hiking up and down Bukit Timah Hill with a backpack can help you simulate the conditions of a high altitude trek, and can help you get used to carrying a heavy load.
2. RUMBLE AT THE FORT
Combining steps training and running at Fort Canning Hill can be a great way to prepare for a trek. The steps provide a challenging workout for your legs and cardiovascular system, while the running will help improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance.
Climbing the steps at Fort Canning Hill will help you build leg strength and endurance, which is essential for tackling steep inclines and uneven terrain. The steps will also help you improve your balance and coordination. Also, running on the trails at Fort Canning Hill will help you improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance. Running at a moderate intensity will help you build up your lung capacity, which is essential for adapting to the thin air at high altitudes. It also helps you to maintain a steady pace, which is necessary when trekking for hours on end.
3. LONG DISTANCE WALKS
Long distance walks (15 - 20km) in Singapore can be a helpful way to prepare for a trek. Going for long walks can help improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance. These are both important factors for tackling a trek, which can be physically demanding and require a lot of energy.
Walking long distances can also help you build up your leg muscles, which will be important for tackling the steep inclines and uneven terrain on a trail. Additionally, carrying a backpack while on your walk can help you simulate the conditions of a long walk day and help you get used to carrying a heavy load.
4. STEP TRAINING
Step training can provide a number of advantages in preparing for an overseas hike. Some of these advantages include:
Building cardiovascular endurance: Step training can help improve cardiovascular endurance, allowing you to hike for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued.
Improving leg strength: Step training specifically works on the muscles of the legs, which are important for hiking. Strong legs can help you tackle steep inclines and uneven terrain with ease.
Improving balance and coordination: Step training requires you to constantly shift your weight and maintain balance, which can help improve balance and coordination. This is particularly beneficial when hiking on rocky or uneven terrain.
Improving joint stability: Step training can help improve joint stability, reducing the risk of injury.
Improving overall fitness: Step training can help improve overall fitness, making you stronger, more flexible and more able to handle the demands of hiking.
Mental preparation: Step training can also be mentally challenging, which can help prepare you for the mental challenges of hiking such as dealing with fatigue, uncertainty and sometimes isolation.
Cost-effective: Step training can be done using simple equipment like stairs, which are readily available in most places and it is a cost-effective way to prepare for your hike.
5. TRAINING HIKES IN MALAYSIA
Here are a few ways that training hikes in Malaysia can help with preparation:
Climbing steep terrains: Malaysia offers a variety of hiking trails that include steep terrain and challenging inclines, which can help prepare you for the steep inclines and uneven terrain you may encounter on an overseas hike.
Humidity and heat: Malaysia's tropical weather can be quite hot and humid, which can be very different from the weather conditions of the country where you plan to hike. Training hikes in Malaysia can help you become acclimated to the heat and humidity, preparing you for the different weather conditions you may encounter on your overseas hike.
Navigating trails: Training hikes in Malaysia can help you become familiar with hiking trails, which can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain more easily when you go on an overseas hike.
Building endurance and stamina: Training hikes in Malaysia can help you build endurance and stamina, which can help you hike for longer periods of time and tackle more challenging terrain on your overseas hike.
Mental preparation: Hiking in Malaysia can also be mentally challenging, which can help prepare you for the mental challenges of hiking such as dealing with uncertainty, isolation, and unexpected situations.
Being in shape before a trekking holiday is like bringing a superhero's powers with you on your adventure. It'll help you trek for longer, tackle tougher terrain and make the most of your holiday. Plus, it'll reduce the chances of getting hurt and make the whole experience more enjoyable. Being fit will also help you navigate tricky terrain, adapt to high altitudes and handle unexpected situations like a boss. In short, fitness is your secret weapon for an epic trekking holiday.
Join Adventures Unlimited in our training programmes as we help you to Get Ready for the Mountains!