Saturday, February 20, 2016

Efficiently Training For Kilimanjaro Hikes

By Raymond Johnson


For most mountain climbers, climbing the highest mountain in any continent is a must do. Before embarking on a climb, enough training for Kilimanjaro must be done. It happens to be the highest mountain in Africa and a great climbing destination. Adequate information about what is expected should be outsourced. This will ensure you are physically fit, mentally prepared and have a good idea of what to expect. There are some things to consider before booking the hike.

Knowing the terrain and the mountain is the first things you need to do. This will tell you which trail to use depending on your experience and your goals. You will also find out about the weather expected at the time of the climb. In the process you can also find out from other people what to expect and their experiences on the climb.

The training needed will be both physical and mental. Physically, you can join a gym or take up activities like aerobic training, skiing, swimming, hiking and rock climbing to help prepare your body. A strong cardiovascular system, helps you utilize oxygen better. Ascending the mountain is generally a lot of uphill walking . This will require strong, well developed muscles to support your weight and the bag you are carrying.

While exercising you also need to consult your doctor. They will conduct an all-inclusive physical, which will tell if you have any conditions that may hinder you from going up the mountain. Heart conditions, muscle problems, spine conditions or breathing problems may be some of the things to look out for. Some of them can be managed with medication. The doctor can also tell you if any of the conditions will worsen with the increasing altitude. For some people altitude sickness is not fatal and just requires acclimatization. In others it could lead to death if not treated.

Mental stamina is required. This will give you the ability to deal with any unexpected challenges that may arise. The fatigue will also be easier to handle. You can take up exercises to increase your mental fortitude by taking on activities that push your body to the limit.

Know your gear. Before the climb you need to know what gear you will need to use. You need to know how it works, how to assemble it and how to pack it. It will be inconvenient to have to be taught how to use the gear while in the process of hiking. The clothing should also be appropriate. Keep in mind the clothes worn on a climb up the Everest are not the same worn on a climb up Kilimanjaro.

If you are travelling with people you know training with them will help to build teamwork. These are the people you will be stuck with for about a week. It helps if you know their personalities, strengths and weaknesses.

While training you should ensure you have all the necessary documentation to be let into the country. The right passports, visa, immunization and vaccination documentation. If you have travelling insurance, you should also ensure your documents are in order and cover the trip.




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