Welcome to the Get Fit Guys quick and dirty tips to get moving and shape up. My name is

Brock Armstrong and I am the Get Fit Guy. The most important things that a hiker needs are strength

and endurance and you can prepare to hit the trails by incorporating some of the simple and effective exercises that I'm

going to give you today. A couple weeks ago, a listener named Tess called the Get Fit

Guy hotline and asked this question. Hi, Brock. I'm in the southern hemisphere and we're now in

spring. I'm really keen to head outside for some hiking.

So other than walking, what exercises could I do to get me into good shape before I hit the

trails? Any advice greatly appreciated? Thanks, Tess.

And after a couple of email exchanges with Tass, I found out that she lives in New Zealand,

which I absolutely love, and that she has in the past

incorporated a bit of leg strength into her workout routine, and that has worked really well for her.

And you know what? Tess is right on the mark.

Getting a bit of leg strength is a great place to start, but I would also encourage her to work

on her leg stability, her balance,

her core strength, and her overall stamina, if she really wants to become a powerful hiker

who can go anywhere with ease and confidence.

I mean, the truth is, hiking is not just a walk in the woods.

You really do need some strength, stamina, agility, and balance to tackle those wilderness

trails.

So, unless you're among the most active of the people in the world, you won't really enjoy

yourself if you simply stand up from your couch or from behind your desk, slip on your

hiking shoes, and, well, hit the trail.

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