Best Exercise for Hikers
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If hiking is in your summer plans, here’s an ideal exercise to get ready, according to Melissa Arnot, an international mountain guide and climber extraordinaire-the only woman known to climb Mt. Everest five times, as well as many other soaring peaks.
Downhill lunges: They open your hips and strengthen legs, and strong legs are essential for steadying your feet on unstable terrain, such as rocks and slippery surfaces. Head outside to the nearest hill with an incline that’s challenging but not too steep for your fitness level, and do lunges facing downhill.
Indoor alternative: If there isn’t an appropriate hill nearby, use an elliptical machine. Set it on low and go in reverse. If you’ve never done this, start with resistance that’s manageable, and gradually build up to greater resistance.