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A new year is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning which once-in-a-lifetime hikes to check off your bucket list this year. But it also means something else: everyone on earth is getting a year older. Instead of narrowing your horizons and putting up with age-related losses, take steps to make sure you are still strong for the rest of your life. Key: Learn how your body works and keep it in shape with these exercises and expert advice from the Backpacker’s Archives. After all, you have a long list of life – it will take you a long time to wander through it.
Young hikers recover faster – which makes your youth an excellent time to build a strong fitness base. (Photo: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision via Getty)
You’re young and recovering quickly – but without exercising, you won’t reach your potential or create a solid foundation on which to build as you age. Start by developing strength and cardiovascular fitness and reap the benefits later.
Reaching middle age doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance. (Photo: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision via Getty)
Even with increasing age, fit hikers in this age group routinely overtake puffing and puffing twenties on big days. This is because endurance performance reached its absolute peak at the end of the 30s. Get your heart and muscles pumping efficiently with these strategies.
Focus on maintaining muscle mass for lighter years of hiking after 50. (Photo: I IMAGES / DigitalVision via Getty)
Aging alone does not make a person weaker. A sedentary lifestyle is what really tests health and wellbeing. From around the age of 50, the battle for fitness has one front you can’t control (age-related muscle loss called sarcopenia) and one you can (exercise). How to win: regular exercise.
There’s no reason you can’t wander into your golden years. (Photo by Dougal Waters / DigitalVision via Getty)
Right: The effects of aging seem to accelerate after 65. Also true: “Walking and exercise are the most important things older people can do to extend their life expectancy and remain independent,” says Bill Evans of the University of Arkansas Institute on Aging. Pick up a backpack, hit uneven terrain and the gains in balance and strength will pile up.
‘Thoroughly checked’
Every hiker can benefit from these bodyweight and freeweight exercises, which increase flexibility and promote muscle strength.
‘Thoroughly checked’
The cardinal rule of training? Don’t get hurt Get your gains without facing the consequences by following these tips curated by fitness experts.
