The more preparation you can do before you travel the better. Putting the hard work in during the build up to your adventure will yield the rewards when it comes to putting it to practice. That said, if you’ve not given it much thought don’t go all guns blazing now. It’s important to build any training up gradually and make sure you avoid any injuries.
For the three peaks you will be on your feet for large chunks of the day so trying to replicate this in your training is advised. You will also be doing back to back days so exercising on tired legs is also advised. Don’t take the trip lightly but don’t panic if you’ve not done anything for a while. Start now and the trip will become even more enjoyable.
Ascent and Descent training
Aim to get some mileage in your legs by doing ascents and descents in the outdoors. If you can get outdoors, aim for long walks in the countryside and try to get as much elevation gain as you can each time. One walk like this per week / every two weeks will help build up the stamina needed for the trip ahead. It’s worth bringing a a backpack with you, to simulate what you would be carrying on your trip with us.
Cardiovascular training
This is all about increasing your lung capacity and strengthening your overall shape and heart condition. Regular 5km and 10km runs are great as is long walks or ‘HIT’ training. Regular runs will strengthen your overall cardio which will in turn help massively when you come to enjoying one of our trips.
Strength training
The key here is to develop your core and lower leg strength to be able to maintain consistent balance and output on your trip. Squats and lunges are great for lower body strength building and crunches, planks and other balance exercises are great for your core. You don’t need to become Superman but a good level of overall strength will definitely help.
Stretching and Flexibility
All of the above is nothing without regular stretching. Stretching helps massively in injury prevention and keeps your from getting stiff and achy. Yoga classes are highly recommended if you have the time, otherwise any standard stretch routine at home will also do. Stretch, stretch, stretch!
This is general advice and by no means absolutely perfect, but following the 4 key areas above over a sustained period of time will definitely help with your preparation.
For more specific training advice we recommend the Uphill Athlete training plans, specifically their Mountaineering Training Plans.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns then drop us a message here or book a chat here