Mountaineering and Trekking Training: 4 Proven Strategies To Train For Uneven Terrain

High-altitude mountaineering and trekking demand more than just physical strength—they require the ability to safely navigate uneven and unpredictable terrains, often at a fast pace. To get faster and more confident on uneven terrain you need to focus on these three elements:

• Increasing your ankle mobility and range of motion

• Improving your calf and Achilles Heel strength

• Improving your balance and stability during movement

You can achieve these three things by incorporating the following mountaineering and trekking training methods into your weekly training plan:

1. Agility Ladder Drills and Skipping

Agility ladder drills are a fantastic way to hone your footwork and coordination. Set up an agility ladder and perform various foot patterns, moving forward, sideways, and diagonally. This not only enhances your proprioception but it also improves your ability to respond quickly to changing ground conditions. If an agility ladder feels a bit too much for you then try skipping. To make skipping even more effective, try doing it with your eyes closed. This will force your stabilising muscles to work even harder to keep you balanced.

2. Bosu Ball, Foam Roller & Yoga Block Workouts

Integrate the Bosu ball—a half-ball platform with a flat base—or a foam roller or yoga block into your training routine by doing exercises like squats, lunges, or even one-legged stands. The instability of the ball/roller/block engages your core muscles, leg stabilisers, and ankle muscles, which are crucial for surefooted movement over the unpredictable mountain terrain you’ll likely be moving over.

3. Trail Running on Natural Terrain

One of the best ways to train for uneven terrain is to immerse yourself in the natural environment. Trail running on diverse surfaces like gravel paths, rocky trails, and forest floors exposes you to varying ground textures. Negotiating roots, rocks, and elevation changes demands quick adjustments and enhances your balance. Regular trail running not only builds muscle strength and endurance but also sharpens your mental focus, a critical asset on mountain adventures.

4. Sand Dune Training

If you have access to sand dunes, they're excellent natural training grounds for uneven terrain. Ascending and descending sand dunes requires extra effort due to the unstable surface. This kind of training builds leg strength, calf muscles, and ankle stability, all of which are vital for tackling rugged trails. Sand dune workouts challenge your body's proprioceptive abilities while improving overall strength, providing you with a strong foundation for conquering high-altitude landscapes.

Hey, if you're curious about The Start To Summit Training Course but not yet convinced that you should join the waiting list... Can I share some details that will help with that? The Course is comprised of 8 Modules that will be delivered through a library of recorded videos, with me as your Coach and Host. You’ll also get a downloadable Training Workbook (PLUS loads of bonus material) to use in conjunction with each Module. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in those 8 Modules:

👉 How To Massively Improve Your Cardiovascular Endurance

👉 How To Build Descent (& Ascent) Proof Legs

👉 How To Train in Your Anaerobic Power To Get Fitter & Faster For Steep Slopes

👉 How To Leverage Your Heart Rate Zones To Maximise Your Endurance & Speed

👉 The 3 Secrets To Building Immense Muscular Endurance

👉 Understanding How To Gauge Your Effort & Pace Yourself Here (and There 🏔️)

👉 How To Reach Your Peak Fitness As You Start Your Adventure But most importantly… 👉 You’ll learn the EXACT 8 STEPS to building your own mountain-specific training plan based on The Start To Summit Training System. It’s worth noting that I have *NEVER* shared the full System anywhere before - not in my book, not on social media, not on any of my webinars, and not even with my clients (they get everything done for them so they don’t mind 😂). But in this Course, I share EVERYTHING that you need! Taking you through every single step (with a calculator and your Training Workbook) so that by the end of the Course, you’ll have a week-by-week training blueprint based on the tried and tested Start To Summit Training System. And do you know what’s even better? Once you join the Course, you’ll get LIFETIME access so you can do it and repeat the steps for every single adventure to come! I can't wait to share this with you - it is going to revolutionise the way you train for every mountaineering and trekking adventure to come!