Improving Hiking Endurance

New York executive Janina Casey focuses her work on the equity sales and research industry. Outside of her professional pursuits, Janina Casey enjoys hiking.

Although it very possible to improve hiking endurance, it must be done over the course of several weeks to ensure the body is properly trained. For those working Monday through Friday, most gradual increases will occur during the weekdays. If possible, hike three or four times each week, and periodically increase the length of the hike until you reach the desired distance. Meanwhile, the weekends can serve as marathon sessions. 

In addition to gradually increasing distance, it is important to stay active throughout the year. Depending on your location, there may not be an offseason for hiking. In that case, engage in activities that are more suitable to the weather in order to maintain stamina.

Finally, hikers looking to improve endurance should work on their strength and toughness. Outside of hiking, performing lunges, crunches, and calf raises will boost the strength of the leg and core muscles. In terms of increasing toughness, hikers can vary their workouts by completing hikes of differing intensities. They can also string together workouts so they are hiking multiple days in a row.