Should I Take Up Altitude Training to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Absolutely, you should! Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physical undertaking, so it is wise to prepare yourself adequately. Being in good shape is an excellent idea in many aspects. Naturally sturdy and robust legs make it easier to climb uphill and downhill for long periods of time. If you do aerobic workouts, it will allow your body to function efficiently in less oxygen. And a fit body is more likely to endure the hardships that come with camping and hiking in cold weather. Add to this a positive mental attitude that will work wonders whenever you’re assaulted with fatigue and doubts about success which makes many hardened climbers give up and pull out.
But taking up an altitude training to climb the mountain is a personal question to many hikers. Some people hardly train but end up faring well, while others will engage in a disciplined training programm and fail to go far in a few days. The best advice from us is to train adequately and get your body into the best-hiking shape. Kilimanjaro is a monster of a mountain, and you won’t know for sure until you’re there.
Hiking is the best training
If the jury has recommended altitude training, then the best exercise that you can do to prepare yourself is hiking. You will come across training regimens that entail extensive and strict programs, that feature running, biking, swimming, weight-training and jogging. But another jury will tell you this is unnecessary and a waste of funds. That the best and perhaps the only exercise you need to sign up for is hiking. Period.
Well, that is precisely what you will be doing on the mountain the entire time you’ll be there. So you should start hiking as much as possible through steeps climbs and climb-downs to stimulate ascension on Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking at dawn is an excellent idea when it’s not hot. If you live in a city and lack access to a trail, then joining a gym will enable you to train productively on a staircase machine. If you lack a gym, then do a lot of walking and running.
Start training early
You need to start training for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro at least two months before the big day. Since you will walk for prolonged periods, begin with short time intervals. Start with a slower pace and then gradually increase while carrying weights as your fitness levels improve.
The day you start hiking, you will walk slowly for prolonged periods, and you may haul probably 20 kilos on your backpack. Therefore in your training, ensure to increase the time interval/distance while keeping a slow pace as opposed to shortening the time interval and increasing the speed.
Happy altitude training.
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