Train For The Outdoors: Why and How to Train for the Outdoors

Written By: Joseph Andreasen

Why should someone train specifically for outdoor activities?

Your position on the spectrum of ability is under your control. You may find yourself more capable than some and less capable than others, but you make choices every day that move the dial. The choice to watch a show instead of hopping on the treadmill. The choice to get out of bed and lift instead of getting an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Your physical ability is always changing whether you like it or not, and it is based on your choices. You have control no matter who you are. Even the chronically bedridden hospital patient receives visits from the physical therapist to help them regain some level of ability, while the best professional athlete continues to train for the same purpose. The key is not where you are at now, but which direction you are moving. More ability means doing the things you enjoy doing for longer. Would you rather be able to hike that summit for 10 more years or 20 more years? Would you rather confidently chase that elk over the ridge or be forced to let it go because you wouldn't be able to pack it out?

Photo by 🧔‍♂️ Michal Kmeť on Unsplash

How would someone train specifically for the outdoors?

Training for the outdoors means training for anything. This isn't a predictable gym situation. Our surroundings are constantly changing and can be surprising at times. Being physically prepared for anything is not only helpful, but it can be a safety hazard if you aren't. 

So how do we train in order to be ready for unknowable situations? Train safely with high intensity and lots of variety.

This will be the focus of all future workouts posted to this blog series. We will train a variety of functional, everyday movements at higher intensity than normal. Get ready to sweat!