Tag: strength

  • Better Balance: Prevent fall-related injuries on the trail

    Better Balance: Prevent fall-related injuries on the trail

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    by

    Kristen Bramante

    Navigating uneven terrain when hiking requires good neuromuscular (brain-muscle) coordination, control, and balance to prevent falls and fall-related injuries. We’ve all been tripped up by a sneaky tree root or rock on the trail, but the difference between staying upright versus falling depends on your neuromuscular reaction time coupled with effective muscle control. The muscles…

  • How to Prepare for Mountain Hiking (Especially if you live in flatland!)

    How to Prepare for Mountain Hiking (Especially if you live in flatland!)

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    by

    Kristen Bramante

    Preparing for Mountain Hiking Living in a flatland area doesn’t necessarily put you at a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for mountainous hiking. However, it may require a bit more creativity with your workouts to ensure that your body is ready for the demands of steeper trails and elevation changes. The workout focus and…

  • Endurance vs Strength

    Endurance vs Strength

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    by

    Kristen Bramante

    Endurance vs Strength: What’s Most Important for the Trail? You want to get in shape for hiking, but you’re wondering, “What’s most important for the trail… exercises to build endurance or strength?” When training for a specific sport or activity it’s common to think… “What exercise is most important?”“Where should my primary focus be?”“How should…

  • Hiking Fitness: The Importance of Core Stability

    Hiking Fitness: The Importance of Core Stability

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    by

    Kristen Bramante

    This blog is part of a series of posts discussing various components of hiking fitness. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to checkout the previous blogs The Importance of Strength Training and Restoring Proper Muscle Activation. Being well prepared for the trail involves more than good cardiorespiratory fitness and leg muscle endurance. An often overlooked…

  • Hiking Fitness: Restoring Proper Muscle Activation

    Hiking Fitness: Restoring Proper Muscle Activation

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    by

    Kristen Bramante

    This blog is part of a series of posts discussing various components of hiking fitness. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to checkout the previous blog The Importance of Strength Training. When it comes to strength and stability training, hikers should focus on: Awaken & Activate Your Glutes! Have you heard of “gluteal amnesia”, “lazy…