Safe Hiking Tips
Hiking to the summit can be hard work. To ensure you’re up to the task, practise these tips at least six weeks before departure:
Devise a workout plan made up of cardiovascular exercise such as running, cycling or dancing so your body is fit enough for the climb.
Practise climbing a hill, so you’ll get used to hiking an incline, which is different from walking or running a marathon. If there is no hill nearby, try climbing the stairs in your building instead. Try to get in at least three practice sessions a week.
Get a sturdy backpack for the hike, weigh it down and train with it to get used to the heavy load. For the first practice, put in water bottles weighing about 10kg. Increase the weight gradually so that by the end of training, the pack will match the weight of the items you’ll be lugging on the trip (about 30kg if you’re bringing all the essentials). This will help simulate the conditions of the actual climb and get you used to it.
Invest in a good pair of hiking boots at least one month earlier. This way, you’ll avoid having to break them in during your climb.
Lay off the training two days before the date of departure to give your body time to recuperate from the rigorous training.