By Leslee Jaquette
Although I hike in the Cascade Foothills at least twice a week, I’m never really “training” for an alpine ascent or thru-hike such as the Pacific Crest Trail. I’m essentially a devoted dayhiker, who loves her warm shower and cozy bed at night.
However, for those who aspire to backpacking overnight or longer hikes, REI suggests some exercises to help with conditioning. Please go to the entire article for all the details.
Here are a couple of REI’s suggested Thru-Hiker exercises:
Squats 
Hold sandbags or dumbbells
Begin with feet shoulder-width apart; bend your knees and hinge at the hips dropping down as if sitting on a low chair. Ideally, your thighs should be parallel to the ground or lower with the knees above the feet.
While holding the weight at your sides (dumbbells) or on your chest/over the back (sand bag), keep your chest up and low back firm and push the heels into the ground as you stand back up.
Step Ups With Trunk Rotation and Hip Flexion 
Use a dumbbell or sandbag
Press firmly into the lead leg as you step up onto a sturdy bench or box.
Drive the back leg up and slightly across as you rotate in with the trunk and elbow on the same side as the lead leg.
How do you prep for a big hike?
