Preparing for a Hike
- Coach Morgan
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Hiking is a great form of exercise that allows you to spend time outdoors in nature. In the spirit of our new community event, intro to hiking series, let’s dive into what you need to know about heading out. Maybe you’ve joined our first 2 hikes, or maybe you’ve been wanting to but you’re a little hesitant (we understand that meeting new people, trying new things and putting yourself out there can be pretty daunting).
So, first things first: let’s get packed!
Here are a few simple things that are essential for the trail.
A small backpack or fanny pack to carry your essentials!
Water: Staying hydrated is important especially in the heat and when sweating! Grab an electrolyte pouch from Peak Fitness if you want to be sure your stay ultra hydrated!
Appropriate clothing: bring layers! Generally, you will start cooler while hiking but will warm up quickly so it is important you have layers! Layers can also be important in case the weather changes mid hike. Appropriate footwear is also a necessity for navigating the trails.
Sun protection: You never know when you are going to be out of tree lines, away from the shade and fully in the sun. A lot of the hikes we are doing this summer are exposed with minimal to no access to shade. It is important to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and/or sun protective layers in case you are in the sun longer than expected.
Light snack: Hiking requires a lot of energy, and the resources your body uses to give you that energy need to be replenished. For hiking, easily digestible carbs such as an applesauce pouch or granola bar is best to replenish your fuel needs quickly. If you’ll be at the gym beforehand pick up one of our snacks that you can purchase right through the GymMaster app!
Bear spray: It is important to be equipped to manage wildlife interactions should they occur. Usually in large groups we won’t come across anything to big and scary but it’s better to be prepared, since this is Montana after all.
Now that we’re ready to head out on a hike, let’s chat about the actual hiking. Take it slow and at your own pace! It is important not to overdo it out of the gate at the beginning of a hike for both safety and enjoyment. It’s no fun to get burnt out halfway through the hike and have to struggle the whole way back. Pacing yourself will ensure that you enjoy the hike and avoid injury.
And finally: remember to look up and enjoy your surroundings! One of the best parts of hiking is the rewarding views and spending the time in nature! Don’t forget to soak that part in, too.
The rest of this series is a great way to start hiking in a welcoming environment and to meet others to hike with! The hikes this summer will start easier and progressively increase in difficulty, so it is a great way to increase your hiking experience and skills!
Our next hike is coming up fast on June 20th. We will be going to Triple Tree Trail. This is a 4.5 mile round trip hike which will take roughly 2-3 hours. Don’t let the mileage deter you, overall the hike is a winding path and only has one spot to climb to you can have an amazing view of the Gallatin Valley. Definitely remember a couple of snacks and water for this one!
We look forward to seeing you out there! Keep an eye out for our newsletters to stay updated on the dates and times of our group hikes and make sure to register on GymMaster.
Bonus:
Hiking with your dog can make the adventure all that much more fun. Seeing their excitement to be out there can make it worth it immediately! However, bringing your furry friend along is added responsibility. Dogs have similar needs to us humans and will need water to join us on the hike. Additionally, some hiking etiquette is necessary, as other dogs will be in our crew and on the trails. Make sure to always be aware of your dog’s location and keep track of their needs. Dogs are not able to regulate themselves as well as we are and can easily overheat if shade and water are not available, so knowing when it is best to leave them at home is essential for their success.
- Coach Morgan
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