How to Hike Pain-Free

Is the fear of experiencing pain while hiking keeping you from getting back onto your favorite trail?

Spending time outside with nature can be so therapeutic, but when we’re experiencing pain that’s flaring up during a walk, a run, or even a hike, we can be easily deterred from going outdoors!

The good news is that you can learn how to train your body in a way that minimizes that pain, and makes hikes feel great again!

Here are my top 3 tips for how to hike pain-free (and the science stuff that proves it).

Balance

Want to assess your injury risk with hiking? Stand on one foot with your eyes closed!

It works because your feet and ankles have to work hard when moving around the rocks, hills and tree roots you’re passing through during a hike.

By that science, training balance exercises on a consistent basis, you can reduce your risk of injury and pain!

Lateral Hip Strength

Now, this is a fancy word for the muscles that support your knees, hips, and low back when going up and down the hills or mountains you’re trekking through.

Having strength in these muscles can help prevent things like IT Band syndrome, knee pain, Achilles tendonitis and even big toe pain! It really is all connected.

Hip Extension Strength

Experiencing pain with hiking hills? This is where we look first.

The more these muscles support you, the less likely you are to have low back pain or hip pain with hiking!

If you want to learn more about specific strength exercises and how that can help support hiking, running and your long-term health, sign-up below to access my Free Guide to Strength Training for Running and Hiking!