Do you always lead the way in a group of hikers? Do others have difficulty keeping up? Do you enjoy giving it your all on short but intense climbs to reach a stunning view over the surrounding mountains? If you enjoy pushing yourself hard and feeling your muscles burn on climbs, but won’t run because you want to protect your joints or are recovering from an injury, you may already be speed hiking without even knowing it.
IF YOU’VE NOT TRIED SPEED HIKING YET BUT WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOLIDAY IN THE MOUNTAINS AND PUSH YOURSELF HARD WITHOUT HARMING YOUR BODY, GIVE IT A GO THIS SUMMER - IT’S GREAT FOR ALL AGES. YOU CAN ONLY BENEFIT FROM IT!
The aim of speed hiking is to push yourself to the limit on specific parts of your route. Speed hiking therefore consists of a succession of small challenges and victories, such as climbing a slope as fast as you can to reach the summit. Once you get there, you can enjoy it without a second thought, and without worrying about your stopwatch.
Walking allows you to improve your physical shape without damaging your body, and especially your joints. Unlike running, which is very hard on your knees, among other things, speed hiking is a so-called "soft" sport that lets you develop your muscles as a whole relatively gently. This is because your entire body is active, not just your legs.
Remember to warm up first, to wake up your body and avoid injury (check out our easy warm-up exercises at the bottom of the page).
Remember to move your arms sufficiently and use poles if necessary, in particular when going downhill.
Speed hiking is very different from your average healthy walk.~
Bear in mind that running shoes have very different cushioning capacities to walking shoes. Opt for ultra-light speed hiking boots with optimal foot action, all-terrain soles and cushioning designed for walking.
If you're a city-dweller looking for a thrilling vacation or you're getting bored with being in the gym, speed hiking offers a little outdoor fitness. Swap your mirrors and overcrowded exercise rooms for a bit of nature, the mountains and less frequented tracks. It’s an opportunity to experience true thrills and really find yourself.
Finally, you may be part of this busy generation which has a thousand things to do but never enough time. Make the most of your holidays or a weekend to go speed hiking in the morning and enjoy being with your family for some cultural visits in the afternoon. It’s an opportunity to see the most stunning panoramas, improve your shape and enjoy a well-deserved bit of relaxation for the rest of the day. You may already be speed hiking without even knowing it.
