Working on your fitness shouldn’t stop even with the global health crisis. Although your outdoor movement is restricted, there are many physical exercises you can do at home to take care of your health and overall well-being. This is especially important if you have long-term goals for traveling and adventures such as mountain climbing.s
If you have been into recreational mountain climbing before the pandemic started, you may have also heard of the Seven Summits. The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, and many mountaineers dream of ascending these Seven Summits in their lifetime. Conquering these mountains is no joke, and it requires long hours of intense training.
While this adventure can get overwhelming for beginner mountain climbers, there are experienced mountaineers who have conquered such a feat. Meanwhile, as you train your body and advance your stamina for such an adventure, you will have to equip yourself with warm The North Face boots to heat up your feet.
The Mountaineers Who Dared
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, but many mountaineers are drawn to the death-defying challenge of overcoming this peak. Despite the thrill and adventure, ascending Mount Everest has been met by many deaths by mountaineers in the past years.
In 1985, a Canadian mountaineer named Pat Morrow became the first to climb all Seven Summits. The Seven Summits have been completed by 60 mountaineers by 1999. Through the years, the number of aspiring mountaineers has greatly increased.
Mountaineering is the sport of attempting to ascend high peaks in mountainous regions. Also known as mountain climbing, mountaineering tests a person’s ability and skills in terms of resourcefulness, courage, strength, and stamina. Many mountain climbers find pleasure and thrill in overcoming a high peak while also gaining physical and spiritual satisfaction brought by the grandeur of nature and the scenery.
Although mountaineering, especially overcoming the Seven Summits, requires rigorous training both physically and mentally, you can still get inspiration from the stories of mountaineers who have overcome their fears and who have held onto their grit throughout their journeys.
While the Seven Summits is not for everyone to overcome, you may still envision climbing the lower mountainous regions that are more popular among tourists and even athletes.
Benefits of Mountaineering
Mountain climbing offers many great benefits both physically and mentally. It challenges the overall aspects of the mind and body.
Mountaineering involves different muscle groups in the upper and the lower body. Once you get into the habit of climbing mountains regularly, you will get to enjoy the benefits of increased stamina, endurance, and muscle strength. Reaching for holds as you climb rocks also increases flexibility and agility.
Climbing mountains is good aerobic exercise. Once the pandemic is over, staying outdoors under the sun can provide you with enough vitamin D to keep your bones strong and to keep your happy hormones in production.
As you gain the strength to climb even higher peaks, you get to improve your self-esteem, mental agility, and self-awareness. Apart from the mood uplifting hormones from sun exposure, the mere accomplishment of ascending a mountain will provide you self-confidence and a great stress-reliever.
Climbing also sharpens your brain. As mountaineering involves problem-solving, mental concentration, and focus, the rigorous sport allows your mind to be challenged effectively. It can also help in easing symptoms of depression.
Mountaineering can be a sociable activity as many mountaineers climb in groups. The preparation before climbing can also allow you to bond with fellow aspiring mountaineers, which can expand your social circle.
Pre-climbing Fitness Requirements
Before you consider climbing mountains, you have to get into a serious physical and mental program first. Mountaineering is no easy feat. Conquering the Seven Summits is an even greater conquest. You need to condition your mind and body to be able to face the challenges that you may encounter on your way to the peak.
Set training goals. If possible, hire a personal trainer who knows what type of exercise you need to do before you take on your mountainous adventure. It’s best to stay safe, especially since nature can be unpredictable.
In any sport, it’s best to consult professionals regarding your overall health instead of putting yourself at risk. Make sure you take all the safety precautions when up the mountains, and remember to leave no trace behind.
Mountaineering is a serious sport that challenges the limits of the mind and body. Be cautious in getting into this physical activity as one mistake might be fatal. Consult your doctor before embarking on such major challenges.