Getting Fit for Trekking in Patagonia

Sierd van der Bij
Sierd van der Bij
06 Feb 2024 5 min read
Getting Fit for Trekking in Patagonia
Quick personal advice
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How do you get fit for trekking adventures in Patagonia? It is a question we and our operators often get. You have done your research, watched some videos, and seen tons of photos, but that still doesn’t give you an idea of the intensity of a normal day out on the trails to for example the O-Trek or the W-Trek. How fit do I need to be for trekking? Will the altitude affect your physical fitness? Do I have to follow a training plan? Let us help you get ready for your trekking adventure in Patagonia.

Hike and Hike Even More

One sure way to get good at what you do is to practice. The best practice for hiking is hiking. Seeing that you are interested in a multi-day trekking adventure, we assume that you already like hiking. Do more of it. If you are lucky enough to be surrounded by hills or even mountains, it is time to see them more often. When? If you are new to this, we suggest starting six months before your planned departure by simply going for an hour (or two) hike a week. When you get the hang of it, after about three weeks, it’s time to beef up your intensity. Bring a pack of 10 to 15kg and add a longer hike of three hours to your week. If this lifestyle is new to you, you will soon reap the benefits of this moderate exercise.

Some of the health benefits of hiking include a lower risk of heart disease, improved blood pressure and sugar levels and of course, it helps to control your weight. Once you are ready for the hills, it only gets better. According to Gregory Miller, president of the American Hiking Society, ”a 5% to 10% incline equals a 30% to 40% increase in calorie burn.” Our personal health benefits are a clearer mind and an elevated mood. Trekking keeps us sane. After a good few months of solid hiking, it is time to put your endurance to the test. Do back-to-back long hikes. You can simulate a few days of constant trekking by going hiking for a few days. Easy at that. Plan a smaller trekking holiday or keep it simple by hiking your favorite route on repeat. If you are comfortable hiking for 4 hours a day, 2 days in a row while carrying a 10kg to 15kg backpack, you will be fine.

Hike and Hike Even More

Get Stronger

One misconception about trekking is that the ascent is the hardest on your body. Wrong. Descending is actually very demanding. When you hike downhill, your quadriceps is being put to work. If you notice any overly sore muscles and weak spots in your quads while going out on hikes, it can be wise to add some strengthening exercises to the mix. If your quads and glutes are suffering, your knees and ankles might also take too much strain.

Are you ready to take up the challenge? Then check out all the possibilities here!

Get Stronger

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Where Can I Book My Walking Holiday in Chile?

At Bookatrekking.com you can book many treks in Chile. We take care of all the details for you, give you personal trekking advice and give you the best service possible. Find all our offers for Chile here. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of Trekking Experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is a walking holiday in Chile not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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