Backpacker Magazine – May 2008

Train Smarter

Get trail-fit in six weeks with this simple exercise plan.

by: Grant Davis

Intro: Get Strong for Summer | 60-Minute Gym Fix | Short on Time? | Strength | Cross Training | Cardio Power | Endurance

Short on time?
No problem. Do what you can–and play it smart.
Maybe your big hike is only a month away. Or perhaps you're tied up coaching Little League. If time is tight, don't despair: Starting our program 10 days out from your dream trip is better than nothing. Just don't kill yourself trying to cram six weeks of exercise into three, says Goldberg. "You'll only exhaust yourself by the time you hit the trail, and set yourself up for a miserable vacation." If you'd rather hit every part of the training plan in one day, try our 60-minute, all-encompassing compromise. And remember–you'll have to scale back your ambitions in the backcountry and build in more rest days: Hike for two days, take a day off. Whatever you do, don't skip the preseason training: Any amount you put in is going to help.

Intro: Get Strong for Summer | 60-Minute Gym Fix | Short on Time? | Strength | Cross Training | Cardio Power | Endurance

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter