samedi 13 février 2016

Basics On Training For Kilimanjaro Mountain Exploration

By Scott Morgan


The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest in Africa. Getting to the highest peak, which stands at 5,895 meters above sea level, presents a huge mental and physical challenge even to the most experienced climbers. Adequate preparation is key to the success of the exercise. It is recommended that one begins training for Kilimanjaro exploration at least two months prior to the exercise.

The duration and intensity of training tends to vary depending on the fitness levels of the individual. Persons that hike regularly or engage in other physical activity are likely to require a shorter period of time to reach the required fitness targets as compared to those that are largely inactive. If you are a beginner, you should ideally start by walking outdoors for say, a mile and increase this gradually to five miles or more.

The physical exercise that you are engaged in should help build your muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. By taking part in weight training, you will improve your performance and at the same time, protect the parts of the body that are most strained when hiking such as the knee joint, ankles and the spine. If you can comfortably carry a 20 pound backpack as you climb 30 steps a minute, you will be ready for the hike.

Make sure that you are in constant communication with your doctor even as you continue with your preparation. You should undergo a full medical checkup to screen for any chronic conditions that may be worsened by the challenge. Examples of such conditions include asthma (and other chronic respiratory conditions), metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) among others.

Apart from being physically fit you need to also prepare your body physiologically. At high altitude the air is thinner and oxygen supply is markedly reduced. High altitude training helps your body to pre-acclimatize so that you can cope with such strenuous conditions. The best way of achieving this is to be involved in several shorter hiking exercises regularly. This can be easily done within Tanzania where there are a number of smaller mountains near Kilimanjaro to be used for practice.

Strive to arrive at the area of the hike as early as possible. Some of the benefits of early arrival include being able to get adequate rest before the exercise and getting used to the climate, the food and the culture of the locals. Persons that arrive early have a 5% higher chance of making it to the summit of the mountain compared to those who have just a few hours to spare.

There are a number of essential things that should make it to your pack. These include navigation equipment such as a map, a compass (or GPS), insulation materials to help protect you from the cold, first-aid supplies, headlamps and sun protection among others. Do not forget to carry your sleeping bag and emergency shelter. As for the clothing, get a waterproof jacket, hiking pants, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and hiking boots.

If you are a tourist to Tanzania then travel arrangements should feature prominently during the preparations. Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and that you have any other documents that may be required. The closest airport is the Kilimanjaro International Airport in northern Tanzania from where the mountain is easily accessible.




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