Worried you aren't fit enough for a hiking or skiing trip? You don't need to be an Olympian. Here is the realistic guide to training for your Lost Goat Co. adventure while working 9-to-5.

One of the most common questions we get at Lost Goat Co. isn't "Where should I go?" or "How much does it cost?"

It is: "Am I fit enough to do this?"

We get it. You work a 9-to-5. You sit at a desk. The idea of hiking for 7 days in Corsica or ski touring in Alaska can feel intimidating. You might picture ultra-marathon runners or professional athletes and think, "I don't belong there."

Here is the truth: Adventure travel is for regular people. You don't need to quit your job and live in a gym to prepare. You just need a plan.

Here is our "Desk-Job Athlete" guide to getting expedition-ready in 8 weeks.

1. Specificity is King (Train for the Sport)

Running on a treadmill is great, but it doesn't prepare you for climbing a mountain with a backpack. You need to mimic the activity you are booking.

• If you are booking a Hiking Trip (like Corsica): Put on your boots and a backpack. Walk on an incline (treadmill or local hill). The "eccentric loading" (going downhill) is what makes your legs sore, so practice walking down stairs, not just up.

• If you are booking a Climbing Trip (like Boulder): Grip strength matters more than bicep size. Hang from a pull-up bar for 30 seconds at a time to build tendon strength.

2. The "Weekend Warrior" Strategy

You don't have 3 hours a day to train. That’s fine. Focus on consistency during the week and volume on the weekend.

• Mon-Fri: Do 30-45 minutes of high-intensity work (HIIT, fast walking, or a quick run) to keep your cardio engine running.

• Saturday or Sunday: This is your "Long Day." Go for a 3-4 hour hike, bike ride, or ski. This teaches your body to burn fat for fuel and gets your feet used to your boots.

3. Don't Forget "Durability" (Preventing Injury)

The biggest trip-ruiner isn't a lack of fitness; it's a tweaked knee or a rolled ankle.

• Balance Work: Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. It sounds silly, but it builds the stabilizer muscles around your ankles.

• Core Strength: Your core supports your backpack. Planks and deadbugs are your best friends.

4. Break in Your Gear Before the Airport

We see this all the time: A client shows up with brand new, stiff boots and gets a blister on Day 1.

• The Rule: Never bring gear to a destination that you haven't used at least three times at home. Wear your hiking boots to the grocery store. Wear your backpack while walking the dog. Your gear should feel like an extension of your body, not a foreign object.

5. Mental Resilience (The "Type 2 Fun" Factor)

Physical fitness is only half the battle. The rest is attitude.

• On our International Expeditions, you might encounter rain, wind, or a steep hill that feels endless. Training is about learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

• Pro Tip: Go for a walk when it's raining. Go for a run when you're tired. Building mental callous is just as important as building muscle.

You Are Capable of More Than You Think

Most people underestimate what they can do. With a professional guide setting the pace and handling the logistics, you can tackle objectives that seem impossible on paper.

Don't let "am I fit enough?" stop you from booking the trip of a lifetime. If you can walk for a few hours and carry a daypack, we can get you there.

Ready to pick your objective? [Browse Our Trips]