Jenessa Connor

Go from couch potato to trail monster with these simple tips from a personal trainer.

You train your legs for the trail, right? Now do the same for your upper body and make your days on the water easier. Bonus: These exercises work the same muscles that help you carry a heavy pack.

Strengthen your legs for early-season hikes, which often involve postholing in lingering snow up high and crossing run-off swollen rivers down low.

Recruit your arms to overcome terrain challenges or just give the legs a break.

The muscles of your torso and back work hard to carry the load comfortably mile after mile.

To reach the best places in the backcountry, you have to rely on your own two feet.