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Best way to physically condition for mountaineering?

Original Post
Traveler Gates · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2024 · Points: 0

Hey y’all! I am super new to the mountaineering world and really passionate about learning more. What is the best way to condition/train for mountaineering/climbing? (Especially looking for suggestions I can do in town, or recommendations for good training hikes. I am currently based in Portland OR)

Victor Machtel · · Netherlands · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

Spend the majority of your workouts in HR zone 1 and 2, hike with big pack and elevation change, build in some climbing relevant strength routines.

Training for alpinism is more duration than intensity. 

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Do bot exercises.

Karl Henize · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 643

Best book on the subject that I am aware of: 

https://www.amazon.com/Training-New-Alpinism-Climber-Athlete/dp/193834023X 

Philip Wire · · Missouri · Joined May 2020 · Points: 220

For me, nothing beats a base of trail running over hilly terrain. Go long. Build up to 90-120 minutes on a weekly run, with a couple shorter runs during the week. The best terrain has lots of sustained uphills and downhills, rather than short little up-and-down jaunts. 

Also helpful to do some practice with a pack on, whether hiking or running, to get your muscles used to the different weight distribution.

If you really want to max out, start training for 50k trail ultras. I never go that long, but it would help.

Big B · · Reno, NV · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 1

run up hills as fast as you can in your free time

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

And wear a pack when you're running

Doug Simpson · · Westminster, CO · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 156

The only way to train for mountaineering is a very, very specific regime of race-walking workouts and a strict diet of cheese and beer. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Beginning Climbers
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