Sunday, July 3, 2016

Mountain Climbing: Tips For Training For Kilimanjaro

By Charles Snyder


If you are an adventurous person, you ought to try mountaineering at some point. With so many mountains to choose from, there is a unique thrill that comes with visiting the East African nation of Tanzania. The country is home to several parks and a world renowned mountain. Before embarking on your trip, it is advisable to do some training for Kilimanjaro.

When preparing to climb a mountain, it is always important to carry the right gear. Make sure your checklist includes important items such as water resistant jackets and pants, insulated shirts, hiking boots and a first aid pack. All in all, the clothes you wear should be able to withstand extremely cold weather besides offering you warmth.

The contents of the first aid kit should include medications that you may use to treat any high altitude complication. Even then, make a point to seek advice from a doctor before traveling. You should only make these preparations once you have no doubt in your resolve to hike to the top of the mountain. The only way to increase your confidence is through rigorous training.

Experts are of the view that those aspiring to climb should always begin their conditioning exercises at least two months in advance. The mountain in question is not a small one. As a matter of fact, it is the tallest one in Africa. Your exercises should be geared towards enhancing your stamina. Ensure you train your legs to withstand walking over long distances.

You should be fully capable of walking long distances. With luggage weighing several pounds on your back, this sort of hiking requires that you get used to the idea of walking and carrying luggage at the same time. Among the exercises you should give some serious consideration are swimming, bike riding, running and hiking. Such exercises are guaranteed to build your muscle strength and stamina.

The terrain and weather will definitely change as you climb up, pushing your body to its limit in the process. If you train well, your body should metabolize optimally. You may experience some shortness of breath at higher levels due to reduced oxygen levels. To counter this effect, exercise gear manufacturers produce high altitude exercise equipment these days. The systems actually simulate mountainous environments, thereby helping the person exercising acclimatize easily. If your trip is fast approaching, find some good equipment and begin your exercise sessions.

Mountaineering is not meant for everyone. To be successful at it, you ought to be medically fit. This means that vital factors in the body such as your heart rate and blood pressure ought to be in the normal range. When you get to the climbing site, you will be required to undertake a medical checkup for your own safety.

In Tanzania, medical practitioners on site require climber to have a maximum heart rate of one hundred beats a minute. Once again, check all this with your doctor back home beforehand. If you exercise every day, you will know what your average heart rate is even under strenuous conditions.




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