That's Fit

If you're training for a hiking or backpacking trip this summer, Backpacker Magazine suggests you wear your hiking boots to the gym for added realism, and try these three exercises to strengthen stability, agility and power relevant to the hiking motion:

Stability: Side-to-side leaps equalize musculature around the knee joint to lessen impact on the ligaments supporting your knee (e.g., over-developed quads can cause injury).

Agility: Hiking trails are littered with rocks, tree roots, holes, mud and the occasional slithering snake. Reduce your risk of an awkward-fall-with-backpack-on by rebuilding your reflexive reactions to trail obstacles. This proprioception drill will improve the sense of space and movement in your feet. I'm a big fan proprioception exercises -- from my ski-training experience, they work!

Power: A treadmill's maximum 15 degree angle will not get you prepared for a short, steep scramble or that grueling mountain pass where you're gaining 3,000 feet in elevation before lunch. This jump combo will power-up your torso and legs.

I'm currently training for a July backpacking trip (no kids!) in the Wind River Range. I will add these exercises to my gym routine -- just not sure if I'll wear those clunky hiking boots.