Necessary equipment for climbers who will climb only the direct route of the Polish glacier (ice climbing)
It’s for sure that if you want to enjoy the experience of mountain climbing, much depends on your previous training. The chances of success can be highly improved and also your safety margin, so as to avoid mountain illnesses or accidents. Therefore, it is important to bear in mind that an adequate preparation and acclimation to climb Aconcagua are fundamental to have the necessary strength in order to avoid exhaustion during the journey.
To accomplish it, your daily routine must include some exercising that will contribute to achieve fitness. As nowadays it is usually to have many obligations, sometimes it is hard to find the time to train everyday. Anyway, when you have a goal such as to reach a summit high as the Aconcagua, the challenge is worth it and all the effort may become a pleasure, which is another goal in itself.
To be honed for the ascent, it is essential to undergo previous training by climbing different size mountains, slowly increasing altitude.
When we talk about training, we must think of the specific activity to achieve a good physical condition. The more specific the training to climb Aconcagua, the better will be the results when climbing the mountain. Step climbing and climbing technics by using hands and feet, etc.
You have to consider that you will be probably climbing most of the time with a burden on your back. Of course, any adequate training for the cardiovascular function is better then none. But the specific training to climb Aconcagua a better way to exercise muscles, lungs and heart and most important of all, the metabolic system. At the same time, prepare tendons and ligaments for the work involved.
These are some suggestions, but it does not mean they are the only ones:
1. Training to develop energy with activities such as running, bicycle, sky or walking at a quick step. Rotate routines to prevent injuries due to excess of exercise.
2. Progressive training with weight provides resistance. It improves the anaerobic metabolism: the principal process that feeds the work of the muscles, which is feed by the carbohydrates stored in our body, so that they don’t need to metabolize additional oxygen.
3. Training in the mountains or scaling training walls with a backpack. Start with little weight and increase it gradually. Do no run with weight.
4. Training as much as possible, climbing mountains, spending the whole day, or more in an excursion. To be a good climber, to be able to climb high mountains you must train. You begin with small mountains and a medium backpack and increase both gradually.
The best is to train by climbing, of course, because it is the exact place to do it. Backpacks often tire the majority of climbers and never should be expected to get accustomed to climb with weight when the expedition has already begun.
5. To be mentally fit for the expedition. Before starting, it is necessary to understand that many times you are going to feel uncomfortable, perhaps you are going to be for a couple of days in a basic tent with anything to do, waiting for the storm to end, surely you will start to feel little symptoms of height. So, you will have to be convinced that it is worth to have left behind the comforts of home in order to experience an unique challenge, in a difficult mountain through patience and determination.
You will have long days ahead of you and you must prepare your mind for it.
6. Get to know yourself, analize and recognise your motivations, your limitations and weaknesses.
7. A good diet is essential, which must not be underestimated Determine which one will be the most appropriate for your body and fitness. There are many books and articles that can help you and also specialists in nutrition for sports.
