I am very interested in getting involved with mountaineering. Since I'm still in school and don't have the money right now to chase mountains, I was wondering what kind of training y'all do to get in shape. If I can't climb right now I might as well train so I'll be ready later. Thanks.

-- Matt Richardson (PIKAPP435@HOTMAIL.COM), February 24, 2000

Answers

Drink lots of beer! It works for every one else.

-- susan (dappysusan@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

Hey Matt, I'm in school too. Quite frankly, it suck not being able to mountaineer whenever you want to or be faced with a research paper on a cloudless winter day. So, I get up in the morning and run some route around my house, always trying to add a little more to the work out. The fact is, at good altitude (12,800 ft for me) the first things that go are your lungs and your legs. Therefore, cardiovascular training is essential. Also, consider visiting the gym. Even if you won't be using your arms too much(in mountaineering) it's still good to have an all body weights workout. Just have fun with your routine and challenge yourself at times.

-Dmitriy

-- Dmitriy Zinchenko (iradj@mho.net), August 03, 2000.

well bro, cardio and legs are huge...the key is to keep pushing yourself beyond your limits-when you start climbing the terrain will be beyond your limits so you want to create a work out identical or even more strenuous than your climb. Start out with a morning jog and even a nightly run-its all about training when you don't want to- like when you are tired and worn out-this is the sort of condition you will be in when you are up 20,000 feet...good luck mate

-- derek killion (iluvpl@hotmail.com), December 04, 2000.

I've heard that a good way to train for ice climbing is to fill a drawer with heavy objects and insert your hands, just to the 2nd knuckle. Slam that baby home! and repeat. OR you can try the Rocky scene in the meat locker. Punch 'till bloody.

Seriously, take a class in mountaineering. Learn about ropes, safety, first aide, route finding and gear is step # one.

Good luck. Jason

-- jason liebgott (jliebgott@hotmail.com), January 04, 2001.

I have done extensive research on the subject of training. For a comprehensive training regimen go to

http://www.alpineascents.com/denali.asp#top

and click on the TRAINING REGIMEN link. I have personally followed this program with success. In addition, I am a firm believer in using a heart rate monitor for training. There are numerous good books and articles on the subject. Good Luck and safe climbing.

-- Greg Bellamy (_gbell1@excite.com), February 06, 2001.