Top 10 trekking preparation tips for first time trekkers : Are you thinking of going on a hike but aren’t sure if you’re physically or mentally prepared? You are heard. A trekking vacation might occasionally be a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never taken one before. You will be well on your way to becoming fit for your selected trekking safari excursion if you follow a straightforward, step-by-step plan.
To ensure that you are prepared to embark on a rewarding and transformative trekking safari, we interviewed our expert staff and leaders to develop our best trek training and preparation suggestions.
- Do exercise you enjoy.
You’ll be more driven to do something if you enjoy it more. Add it to your fitness regimen if you truly enjoy swimming, rock climbing, Zumba, or yoga, for instance. You won’t even be aware of your workout if you’re having fun.
Joining an exercise group is another option to think about. Making new acquaintances when walking, running, or engaging in any safari activity with a group has several advantages and encourages exercise. You can find exercise partners who share your interests by joining one of the many exercise groups on Meetup and Facebook.
Both group and individual sports, such as tennis and squash, where you practice once or twice a week and compete on the weekends, are excellent for getting in shape.
- Mix up the terrain and weather conditions.
It’s crucial that you go over your safari notes to get a sense of the kind of terrain you’ll be trekking across. Try your best to walk in a manner that roughly resembles the terrain you will encounter on your adventure.
Remember that hills are your friend as well. You’ll be better prepared for your trek, especially if you’re trekking in the mountains, the more hills you practice on. Stairs are the same way. Find some steps in a nearby park and climb them twice a week, at the very least.
Try walking or running on grass to better prepare yourself. Despite being difficult, running or walking on sand is extremely advantageous.
- Fuel your body well.
While hiking, your body will need more energy, thus it’s critical to refuel properly. To keep your energy levels up during training, try to consume small, frequent meals. It’s critical to eat a balanced, healthy breakfast and to drink lots of water before going on a lengthy training walk. You won’t have to bother about packing trail mix or other refreshments because the guides will give it to you.
- Remember to pace yourself.
Don’t let the idea of training deter you if this is your first time hiking. It’s normal to experience some anxiety. Keep in mind that it’s not a race. Go at a pace that is comfortable for you so that you may unwind and enjoy the scenery while you travel.
Do not feel that you must follow the group’s fastest walker because a guide will always go in that direction. In the end, trekking is simply putting one foot in front of the other at a pace that seems natural to you. In the end, trekking is simply putting one foot in front of the other at a pace that seems natural to you.
- Consistency and persistence are key.
Try to maintain a regular workout schedule each week, especially in the weeks before your walk. Fitting in your weekly workout sessions at the same time as the rest of your daily activities is a good idea. If you have trouble finding the time to exercise, try incorporating it into your daily schedule by running or walking to work.
Remember to begin your training early and avoid waiting until the last minute. It is best to begin your journey preparation as soon as possible. You’ll benefit more from your safari if you’re more physically fit. Whenever you are training, try not to be intimidated. It’s not necessary to overcomplicate training.
Additionally, eliminate any obstacles so you won’t have any justifications for not training. For instance, prepare your gym attire the night before, set phone alerts, and maintain a schedule of your workouts.
Many people jot down their training schedules so they may mark each action off when it is finished. Being able to cross items off a to-do list might give one a feeling of accomplishment.
- Understand your trip grade.
Understanding your safari grade can help you prepare for the type of trekking you may encounter on your journey. Our treks are generally classed from easy (grade 3) to moderate (grade 5), with some difficult treks graded at 6. Knowing the schedule of your safari can help you plan your training sessions and provide suggestions for how much training you should complete each week before to your vacation.
Your trek’s difficulty will depend on a variety of elements, such as its length, geography, altitude, and weather. If you have any questions about your fitness, don’t hesitate to contact your reservations consultant. These grading elements do not consider individual skills or experience.
To make your workouts more enjoyable, vary it up by doing three days of work followed by one day off. Anything that can increase your endurance is a wonderful choice, including biking, jogging, climbing the stairs at the park nearby, using a rowing machine, and swimming. Of course, nothing matches climbing hills and descending hills while carrying a large load in the backcountry.
- Consider using walking poles.
You should think about using trekking poles for your walk. Walking with poles can lessen the pressure strain on the opposing leg by around 20%, according to studies (Dr. G Neureuther, 1981). Additionally, using walking poles lowers the amount of weight that is carried by the legs while walking uphill by about 8 kilograms (compared to 5 kilograms on flat ground).
Trekkers can prolong their stride by using poles, which lessens the load on their knees (American College of Sports Medicine Journal, 2001). Trekking poles can undoubtedly make the long days on the route simpler and more pleasurable, even though they may still be exhausting.
- Practice walking with your backpack.
Most of our treks are fully supported, so you only need to bring a day pack; the rest of your belongings will be delivered to your campsite or lodge. Most likely, your daypack will include little more than 5 kilos of gear, including water, snacks, extra clothing, and a camera.
To put the bag properly on your body, it’s critical that you pick a rucksack that is comfortable, has back support, and adjustable chest and waist straps. Consider purchasing one with a bladder as well so you can conveniently drink water while on the run. Prior to your walk, make sure your bag is as comfortable as possible by using it as part of your training.
One tip is to carry your rucksack with clothes and a few water bottles so that it weighs about 7 kilos, then head to hills, stairwells, and the neighborhood park or somewhere else you can walk uphill. Keep in mind that training for going up and down is equally vital because we engage distinct muscles for both.
- Find the right footwear.
Your journey could be made or lost by your footwear. Your footwear, more than any other item of gear, will affect how much you enjoy your journey, thus getting comfortable trekking boots is strongly advised. We suggest visiting a gear shop to get fitted by a professional who will walk you through the selection of boots available and choose the ideal boot for your foot type.
On all of our treks with a grade of 3 and higher, we advise wearing a complete boot with ankle support and a durable Vibram sole. When you consider how long your boots will last and how much they will affect your journey, excellent boots are more expensive, but the investment is worthwhile. To guarantee you receive the right size, try to buy your boots in the afternoon when your feet have slightly expanded.
Make sure you wear your boots as much as you can after purchasing them. At first, they may feel a little unpleasant and stiff, but as you wear them more frequently, they will begin to conform to your foot. Longer walks can be taken after shorter ones first. Although they might take some time to break in, it’s better to develop blisters now rather than later on when you’re travelling. Next, we’ll discuss blisters in more detail.
- Blisters can be avoided.
Blisters are trekkers’ second-biggest fear, behind concerns about fitness. Blisters are caused by swelling, heat, and friction. Preventing blisters is crucial and far superior to trying to treat them after you’ve already developed them.
