Why Hikers Need More Than Just Zone 2 Aerobic Fitness
Zone 2 training has earned its place in the endurance world with solid research and noticeable benefits. Many serious mountain athletes are logging their hours on foot at conversational pace, whether they’re running or hiking. But aerobic fitness alone can leave a critical gap in your preparation.
Mikey Bell of Outdoor Adventure Training calls it the engine versus chassis problem. Cardio builds the engine. But your chassis, meaning your joints, connective tissue, and stabilizing muscles, is what absorbs force on a long, steep descent after hours on trail. Stronger muscles pulling on unprepared tendons is exactly how overuse injuries develop, often right when training starts to feel productive.
Tendon and ligament adaptation usually takes around three months or more of consistent loading, and feeling stronger is not the same as being structurally ready. Stability work should come before volume, with training focused on glute and hip control, eccentric loading for downhill durability, and core integrity under load building a foundation.
The exercises provided in the Outdoor Adventure Training video will help you build up that chassis, reducing the risk of developing overuse injuries while out hiking or trial running.
Leave a Reply