It's Never to Early...

It's a simple fact - fun on the trail is directly proportional to the kind of shape you are in. Now that January is over and the rush to meet those resolutions is fading, it's time to get serious. Being in shape for summer will not only increase the amount of enjoyment derived from a hike, but it will help you feel better. Also, exercise is one of the great stress relievers in life. Closely followed by a cold beer after exercise.

Would you rather be the goober that sits out that extra mile? Maybe you'd rather dominate those mountains and bag that extra peak. Check out this article from Backpacker. Granted, a few of these gym exercises will have the other people staring, but I can attest to the effectiveness of these. Of course, maybe you've had to cancel that gym membership in order to pay the bills?

So here are a couple ideas for at home training. Of course, there's nothing quite like getting out with some weight on your back and getting a few miles in. Maybe you don't have the time, or maybe you live somewhere that's actually having winter. Either way, these few tips will help.

1. Find the nearest stadium and run up the stairs. For added effectiveness, run up the stairs with a backpack.

2. Lunges. Find a 50' flat spot and touch your knee to the ground on each lunge. Another good one to try with a backpack. Or better yet, try it on not flat ground. Like a real trail.

3. Find a few common household items to help with your training. Fill empty milk jugs with water and use them as free weights. Attach them to your broom and hang them over your shoulder while doing lunges. Tie them to your feet and do pull ups. The possibilities are endless.

4. Jump ups. Find something roughly as tall as your knees, and jump up and down until you can't take it anymore. Then stand on the ledge and do calf raises.

5. Run. Walk. Run, more. Rinse, wash, repeat as necessary.

6. Don't focus just on your legs. While important, they are only part of a system. Try yoga or pilates. Do sit ups and push ups.

7. Be active. Play volleyball. Walk 18 holes of golf. Extreme bocci. Anything that gets you off the couch.

8. Crosstrain. Anything outside is a good start. Go do it!