Get Ready for Hiking at Beckwith!

Going hiking in the summer is one of the most refreshing things you can do. This is especially true when you’re lucky enough to live in North Yorkshire! 

But before you lace up your boots and hit the trails, a bit of physical prep can make the whole experience more enjoyable — and the next day less painful.

Whether you’re planning gentle weekend walks or aiming for more ambitious peaks, building strength and stamina now will pay off later. And the best part? You can get started today with building up your cardio and strength in the gym! 

Why Prepare? 

Hiking is absolutely an activity for everybody, but it can be deceptively tough on the body.

Steep climbs, uneven terrain, and long distances can take a toll on your legs, back, and cardiovascular system. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll be able to focus on the views (and the post-hike pint at the local pub). 

How To Get Hiking-Ready

Strong legs will be your best hiking buddy.

Focus on: 

  • Step-Ups (onto a box or bench): Mimics hiking uphill and strengthens quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Try holding dumbbells for extra challenge. 

  • Lunges: Fantastic for building balance and leg strength. Walking lunges across the gym floor can simulate that challenging hiking feeling. 

  • Leg Press Machine: A safe and controlled way to build power in the lower body. EGYM is the perfect way to start with these if you’re new to the exercise, as it’ll help with instructions and proper form.

Exercises for a Stronger Core

Building your core will help to keep you stable on uneven ground and can prevent injury or strain to your back. Try these workouts:

  • Planks: Keep it simple — hold it for 30 seconds and build up to 60 seconds as you grow stronger. 

  • Russian Twists: These are great for your obliques, which will help with your balance.

  • Bird Dogs: These are especially good for our older & newer members. Read through this guide on how to get started with them.

Build Up Your Stamina!

Hiking is as much about stamina as it is strength. Try these exercises to build up your endurance and make sure you can make it up the big hills!

  • Treadmill Incline Walking: Set the incline up gradually and work on walking at a steady pace. If you’d like more of a challenge, try to increase the incline or speed at intervals to simulate changes in terrain. 

  • Stair Climber or Step Machine: Great for mimicking those long hill climbs. 

  • Rowing Machine or Stationary Bike: Both are low-impact options to build cardiovascular endurance — especially useful if you’re easing into fitness & just getting started at the gym. 

Finally, don’t forget to add proper nutrition to your day — your body needs fuel to get ready, especially for those longer, more challenging hikes. Check out these healthy recipes & easy snack ideas.

Ready to go Hiking?

So let’s make this summer your best hiking season yet! With a bit of prep, you’ll be ready to take on the trails with strength, stamina, and a smile. See you at the gym — and maybe onthe trails too!