Nothing beats squats. Wearing a weighted pack, stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Lower until thighs are parallel with floor; keep your spine straight. Do three sets of six to 12 reps.
Variation From the squat, jump as high as possible; bend your legs as you land.
BECOME A MILEAGE MONSTER
See our essential exercises and tips to tackle the most miles possible.
Want legs that handle any terrain. This is the exercise.
Use these proven exercises to get in the best hiking shape of your life.
Nothing's worse on the trail than knee pain. Prevent and cure it with this exercise.
Try this exercise to give your lower back the strength you need.
Fight the sedentary lifestyle and get a move on with these exercises and essential skills.
Strengthen joints and banish sprains for good.
Want strong knees when hiking season starts? Work your hamstrings now.
Want legs that can tackle any climb, any heavy pack, any mileage? Well, don't work harder–work smarter. We grilled fitness experts and scoured the medical literature to uncover the latest, greatest strategies for building strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility.
