Tips for Mountain Exercising

Mountain exercising is a great idea for vacations or for a weekend getaway. What should you know before including it in your schedule?
Tips for Mountain Exercising

Last update: 26 October, 2019

Maybe you hate the crowds at the beach during the vacation season? Or maybe you want to travel in autumn or spring and prefer rural environments where you can relax? If so, this article will give you some advice about how to enjoy mountain exercising.

Mountain exercising: essential tips

If you’ve decided to do something a little different this season and you’ve picked a mountain vacation as your destination, you’ll have a lot of options for exercising. Nevertheless, in order for the training sessions to be really productive, keep these tips in mind:

1. Adequate clothing

You’ll be happy to hear that you can use the same clothes that you use for the gym or you wear at home when you enjoy mountain exercising. The only factor that you have to consider is your footwear. Depending on the slope or the type of surface of the mountains, you might need something more specialized.

That being said, if you’re just thinking of going out and walking or jogging out in the fields, don’t worry. In this case, you can use the same exercise sneakers as you always do.

2. Layered clothing

If you’re not used to exercising out in the elements, keep in mind that temperature changes happen all the time. If you’re going to go out very early in the morning, you’ll probably have to wear warm clothes. Just as soon as it gets a little cold, though, you’ll want to take off half of what you’re wearing.

Lots of people wear “layered” clothes in order to avoid being bothered or inconvenienced. Regardless, always be sure to use clothes that allow for perspiration.

A woman hiking up a mountain in the day.

3. Sun protection is important when mountain exercising

Even if you go when it’s cold, we recommend that you wear sun protection before doing mountain exercising. You should also wear a hat and sunglasses. This will help you to avoid being bothered or even injured by the rays of the sun.

Some ideas for mountain exercising

Did you know that mountain exercising, just like so many other types of physical activity, has a lot of benefits? That’s why experts recommend that you train in this environment whenever you’re in the mountains. These are some good options for working up a sweat:

1. Hiking

This is an activity you can do with the whole family. Everyone can hike at their own pace and they’ll all get a good helping of clean air and natural views. Hiking involves walking along paths that may not be very straight or through dirt paths.

If the path is very steep, some people choose to use canes or branches of trees to help support their bodies. We recommend that you choose marked routes with good signage. Some examples of places with such routes are nature parks or reserves. Aside from that, you should also bring water, fruit, or cereal bars to help you regain lost energy.

2. Trail running

This mountain activity is gaining in popularity. It involves running on rural trails, in valleys or on mountains, and near or through rivers. Trail running requires special footwear and a certain level of physical fitness.

3. Ziplining

This idea for getting some mountain exercise into your routine can be fun for the whole family. Ziplining is an activity that involves jumping over different types of uneven terrain or cliffs using a cable. It’s great for those who want to add adrenaline to their fun!

4. Natural gym

You can use the “imperfections” of the terrain to your advantage. These can make good step ladders, things to jump over, or places to do push ups. You can combine these exercises to focus on your triceps, abs, glutes, and much more.

If you find rocks of a certain size along the way, you can even use them as though they were weights. Remember to return them to where you found them once you finish exercising.

This man is using obstacles found while mountain exercising to make it harder.

5. Mountain bikes

Finally, a great way to enjoy your mountain exercises is to ride a bike. Specifically, you should be using a mountain bike. These have larger and tougher wheels. You’ll be riding through different paths and avoiding various obstacles.

Finally, if you’re of a certain fitness level, you might try even more challenging activities than these. One example of this would be rock climbing. Choose your favorite and take full advantage of this natural environment to get moving!


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.