Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: andy1984 on April 20, 2010

Title: Training
Post by: andy1984 on April 20, 2010
After you guys momentus effort doing the mourne wall at the weekend i was just thinking about training.

Now being realistic I can only really get into the hills at the weekend because of work and i'm sure most of you are the same.

I'd be interested to know who does what training to increase fitness + endurance in the hills? Do most people here exercise daily?

I try and do a little cycling or running but to be honest its very on / off, so much so its prob no benifit at all!!!  ;D

Title: Re: Training
Post by: chris on April 20, 2010
The best way to get fit for the hills is to get into the hills, other than that any cardio based activity will help. Aswell as your cardio I'd recomend leg strengthening exercises as they are what carry your ruck and do all the walking, no point having the best set of lungs known to man if your legs are like two noodles!
Title: Re: Training
Post by: RedLeader on April 20, 2010
What sort of leg strengthening exercises do you recommend?

The best way to get fit for the hills is to get into the hills, other than that any cardio based activity will help. Aswell as your cardio I'd recomend leg strengthening exercises as they are what carry your ruck and do all the walking, no point having the best set of lungs known to man if your legs are like two noodles!
Title: Re: Training
Post by: andy1984 on April 20, 2010
i've found that since i started hill walking my legs have gained alot of strength + endurance by getting out once a week but i think for lungs you need to be doing something maybe 3 times a week.
Title: Re: Training
Post by: chris on April 20, 2010
What sort of leg strengthening exercises do you recommend?

Just the normal things squats, split squats I found that my hips used to go "rubbery" after a day in the hills but sit ups with your feet secured helped that. Try standing up on your tip toes and down again for calves, this one works quite well if you stand just your toes on a step and drop your heels and push back up. do some of that then progress to weights (i.e fill you ruck)