Try fast hiking this summer if you haven’t already; it’s a terrific activity for people of all ages who want to get the most out of their mountain vacation and push themselves without getting hurt. It’s only going to help you!
#1 Improve your cardio fitness
The aim of speed hiking is to push yourself to the limit in specific parts of your journey. Speed hiking is more a question of small challenges and victories, for example climbing a slope as rapidly as possible to reach the top. Once you get there you can enjoy it without a second thought, and without worrying about your stopwatch.
#2 Protect your joints
Speed hiking offers all the benefits of running without the drawbacks, especially in terms of your joints. Running puts the knees under a lot of stress, among other things. Speed hiking is a so-called “soft” sport and will strengthen muscles all over your body. This is because your entire body is active, not just your legs. Here you will find a few exercises for warming up, awakening your body and avoiding injuries. Remember to move your arms sufficiently and use hiking poles if necessary, in particular when going downhill. We explain the correct way of adjusting your poles here.
#3 Surpass yourself and improve your hiking abilities
Speed hiking is very different from your average stroll. You can set yourself increasingly difficult challenges and exceed your limits –: you will get your adrenalin pumping and feel satisfied with your efforts without harming your body. You’ve already bought what you need from the trail running department of your favourite store to improve your performance? Bear in mind that running shoes have very different cushioning capacities to walking shoes. Opt for ultra-light speed hiking shoes with optimum foot roll, all-terrain soles and cushioning capacities designed for walking.
#4 Swap your local gym for breathtaking landscapes
If you live in the city and want to experience new sensations on holiday, or if you’re starting to get bored with your gym, speed hiking is a bit like an outdoor fitness equivalent. Swap your mirrors and overcrowded exercise rooms for a bit of nature, the mountains and less beaten tracks. It’s a good way of enjoying exciting experiences and returning to your roots.
#5 See a maximum of things in a minimum of time
Finally, if, like many of us, you find you’ve never enough time to do the hundreds of things you want to do, make the most of your holidays or a weekend to go speed hiking in the morning and enjoy being with your family and cultural visits in the afternoon. It’s an opportunity to not only improve your health but also enjoy stunning views and a well-deserved rest at the end of the day.