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Inevitably, the first question we receive from clients is: “How fit must I be?” This is a most important question as it indicates that you are concerned about yours. Kilimanjaro is an incredible place. It is the highest mountain in Africa and therefore, one of the famous “Seven Summits” in the world. At the summit, there will only be 47% of the oxygen available compared with sea level. This means that your body will have to perform with less than half the oxygen it would normally get at sea level. To prepare for this requires more than just getting physically fit. If possible, “hypoxic training” should be considered, meaning that you train with reduced oxygen levels in your blood. This will help your body to acclimatize beforehand and also stimulate the production of red blood cells over time.
We have developed a physical training program for you that will help prepare you for the physical exertion. If you follow this program diligently, you should be ready physically. However, please remember that you have to take the other factors just as seriously. Lack of oxygen on a high mountain is a serious consideration as it can affect different people differently. There is unfortunately no way to tell you beforehand how your body will cope with altitude, but physical preparation will certainly assist you in dealing with the mountain. Please take training seriously. It is a crucial ingredient in reaching the top of Africa.
Training
Whether you have access to a training gym or not, following the below training program will assist you in getting physically ready for the highest event of your life.
Gym training:
Stair master High speed, low resistance for 15 minutes (1 day) Twice a week
Stair master Low speed, high resistance for 15 minutes (alternate day) Twice a week
Cycle 30 minutes Twice a week
Leg press 3 sets of 15 Four times a week
Knee extensions 3 sets of 15 Four times a week
Back extensions 3 sets of 15 Four times a week
Tread Mill Walking for 30 minutes Four times a week
Sit-ups 3 sets of 15 Daily
The gym program given above should give you a guideline and provide a very strong basis for your physical preparation. If you do not have access to a gym or simply don’t have the time, you can of course supplement your training with normal hiking. We would advise hiking in hilly terrain, preferably with as few as possible downhills. You should attempt as far as possible to simulate the conditions you are likely to encounter and therefore we’d also suggest that you go hiking with your day pack as often as possible. (Remember, walking downhill should be avoided if possible to protect your knees!) We suggest at least 8 weeks preparation to ensure an adequate level of fitness and sufficient rest before the climb.
Hiking Training
Week 1: (56 days prior to departure) Sat 3 kilometers Mon 3 kilometers Wed 5 kilometers
Week 2: Sat 5 kilometers Mon 5 kilometers Thu 8 kilometers
Week 3: Mon 6 kilometers Wed 10 kilometers Fri 12 kilometers
Week 4: Mon 6 kilometers Wed 12 kilometers Fri 16 kilometers
Week 5: Mon 10 kilometers Wed 20 kilometers Fri 10 kilometers
Week 6: Mon 15 kilometers Wed 25 kilometers Sat 20 kilometers
Week 7: Tue 10 kilometers Thu 20 kilometers Sat 10 kilometers
Week 8: Mon 15 kilometers Wed 5 kilometers Sat On your way to Kili
Being physically ready for Kilimanjaro is most of the battle. You are already on your way to becoming mentally ready as well. Once having firmly decided to go to the top of Kili and having worked through the training program above, we believe that you are ready for the summit. It’s just a question of knowing it ! |