Get In Shape For Rugged Mountain Trail Hiking

When you head up into the mountains, you may not be doing the kind of climbing that requires ropes and pitons, but there's still a fair amount of scrambling over boulders and humping up steep inclines. And, anytime you change activities (this is a bit different from a flatland hike) your body gets stressed in a new and different way. Climbing up the uneven terrain of a mountain trail will work muscle groups that usually never get exercised.

Doing squats and other lower body strengthening exercises can help strengthen your supportive muscles and tendons that are around your knees and ankles - which will protect you from injury and reduce muscle soreness after a grueling climb. Using a stair climber in your local gym or doing step aerobics is a great way to get your body ready for the kind of hiking moves you'll experience, while yoga and stretching are a great way to limber your body up for a good climb.

Of course, before hitting more challenging mountain trails be sure to invest in good hiking boots. The hiker's most important friend, good boots will protect you from the elements and the rugged terrain that can twist a runner-clad ankle. Be sure to break in new boots before you go for a long hike.