getting fit for hiking

[Mada3400]

i've had a sinus infection since june and have finally had it removed. this means i am super unfit and am going to cederberg hiking at the end of november. I've been told that i need to get fit otherwise it's just not fun.

 

so, obviously walking up and down mountains is going to help but, i was wondering what else i can do, is spinning a good idea? got any other one?

 

i know running is very good but i would like to avoid it if i can

[MTBmofo]

What route/trail you doing? I'll let you know how fit you need to be.

[Mojoman]

Load up your backpack with the same amount of weight you plan on taking and go and do some distance up and down some hills. We do this for our Drakensberg trips at year end so there is limited suffering (and moaning and fighting!)

Being unfit and going hiking is no fun for you or your mates!

[Chubba]

What route/trail you doing? I'll let you know how fit you need to be.

Take what he says with a pinch of salt, he has legs of steel!

[Kranswurm]

i've had a sinus infection since june and have finally had it removed. this means i am super unfit and am going to cederberg hiking at the end of november. I've been told that i need to get fit otherwise it's just not fun.

 

so, obviously walking up and down mountains is going to help but, i was wondering what else i can do, is spinning a good idea? got any other one?

 

i know running is very good but i would like to avoid it if i can

 

Easy.Take a day pack and go up Platteklip as fast as you can across to Skeleton and down.Get someone to pick you up or drop you.Next week you can doConstatia Nek to Platteklip.With Boots!

Do one of those each weekend and you will be fine

Secondly play 2 hours of squash during the week

Note..Cederberg in Nov is cooking so have a nice pack that takes a hydration pack(3L)

I presume you are talking more than 1 day hiking

Spinning will be a waste of time

[Mada3400]

Pakhuis to Sanddrif

Boskloof to Algeria

Sanddrif to Algeria

Pakhuis to Algeria

Kromrivier to Algeria

 

i think i am only doing 3 of these(dunno which ones tho) and there is also a 30km ride thrown in as well

[Kranswurm]

Pakhuis to Sanddrif

Boskloof to Algeria

Sanddrif to Algeria

Pakhuis to Algeria

Kromrivier to Algeria

 

i think i am only doing 3 of these(dunno which ones tho) and there is also a 30km ride thrown in as well

 

????

Something does not sound right here.Those are different trails.

Kromrivier to Algeria is a 3 day I would imagine.Depends on the route

[droo]

Easy.Take a day pack and go up Platteklip as fast as you can across to Skeleton and down.Get someone to pick you up or drop you.Next week you can doConstatia Nek to Platteklip.With Boots!

Do one of those each weekend and you will be fine

Secondly play 2 hours of squash during the week

Note..Cederberg in Nov is cooking so have a nice pack that takes a hydration pack(3L)

I presume you are talking more than 1 day hiking

Spinning will be a waste of time

Platteklip to cable station and down works too. A little less variety, but no lifts needed. As you get stronger, carry more weight in your pack.

 

You'll find this out for yourself after the first one, but the descent is the bit where you get most of your workout, so take it easy on the way up the first time.

[Kranswurm]

Platteklip to cable station and down works too. A little less variety, but no lifts needed. As you get stronger, carry more weight in your pack.

 

You'll find this out for yourself after the first one, but the descent is the bit where you get most of your workout, so take it easy on the way up the first time.

You are right.The knees get hot

Up Skeleton and down Nursery Ravine is cool as well.I would not worry too much about the weight.

You will be carrying enough crap anyway out of neccesity.Sarmies,water,first aid,cell,whistle,munny,rain jacket,fleece,space blanket.Yes,you can get lost or hurt up there.The weather is particularly fickle on that mountain.

[tunariaan]

just get some lekker walk in before the time

I know you said you dont like running but doing 500meters walking and 500meters slow running will help you alot

You also wont enjoy it if you are not a bit in shape

Sterkte

[Mada3400]

thanks for all the advice

[MTBmofo]

Ignore what chubba says! I reckon fitness is not as important as comfort and getting your body used to your shoes and carrying your kit. The thing is though, as you go walking to adapt you body to the various stresses you'll be getting fit! Lions Head is a good walk to do after work, if you can do it twice or three times a week you'll be sorted, throw in a long walk on Table Mountain over the weekend and even better! But remember to walk in the shoes/boots you'll be using in the cederberg, also start getting used to a heavy pack now. It's a beautiful part of the world- enjoy. Make sure you get to a couple of these places- Tafelberg, sneeuberg, wolfberg cracks, maltese cross, stadsaal, crystal pools and maalgat. In order of importance!