How to train for Himalayan Hiking Vacations
Most of our clients, ranging from 3 years old to some in their 80s, have completed their treks with almost no exercise or training. Some fitness and strength levels will be helpful to make an adventure vacation more enjoyable. If you want to be better prepared for a trek in the Himalayas, this is a suggested training regime to help you develop for such undertakings. Please seek your doctor and a local gym trainer’s advice and further guidance.
Trekking requires training, such as stretching, cardiovascular, endurance, and muscle conditioning exercises. It is beneficial to hike with a backpack. Having a stable physical shape is one of the most beneficial aspects of a high-altitude trek. It would help if you planned to progressively ramp up your speed and duration (time and distance) during your training. During the Himalayan trek, you will undoubtedly walk in the altitudes, So some form of altitude conditioning is also advisable.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Ideal activities include running, walking on an inclined treadmill, doing stair master training, trail running, working on a cross-trainer, walking up and down hills, or participating in step aerobics classes. Biking, rowing, and swimming are good cardiovascular options for the early stages of your training. Make sure to include spinal-loading cardiovascular exercise as you get closer to your trekking vacation.
Be sure to include at least three to four sessions of 30 minutes of sustained activity at a moderate intensity, and build four to six aerobic sessions of sustained effort for at least 45-60 minutes each when embarking on a cardiovascular training program such a trek Always include a 5-10 minute gentle warm-up before working out, increasing the level of exertion as long as you can make short sentences without losing your breath, and cool down with 5-10 minutes of appropriate stretches of the muscles such as lower back, calves, hamstrings, hips, and quadriceps Training with free weights, a backpack, bodyweight exercises, or gym machines will help build your overall strength, particularly in the lower back and abdominals (core), upper back, and legs Developing muscle in your upper back and shoulders will help you carry a backpack and use trekking poles effectively The calves, hips, quads, hamstrings, and gluteus muscles are all involved in ascending and descending along the trekking routes.
Strength Conditioning
Training with free weights and machines will give you the primary function; strength specific to trekking will help a lot in the mountains. Exercises such as lunges, squats, step-ups, pull-ups, rowing, pushups, and bench presses will help you with the strengthening condition.
Conditioning for Trekking
Hike on steep trails while increasing your backpack weight on each outing until you reach your target backpack. If possible, try to ascend 600 to 1000 meters carrying around 8 to 10 kilos in your bag. Gaining about 300 meters in height per hour is good; make sure you have at least 2 litres – (preferably in a Camelback or similar container) of water with you during this hike.
Breathing exercises can be beneficial Yoga is another excellent way to prepare and condition you for a trek.
Altitude Training
One technique that can be useful for altitude climbing is going up a steep hill or set of stairs that allow you to climb continuously for a few minutes. Push yourself as hard while ascending and recover on your descent. Repeat this for 30-60 minutes.
Finally, it is essential to have a positive outlook on life and forget to pack your sense of humour. This training will help you with your trekking holidays in Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.