How to Train for Outdoor Adventure: The Indoor Training Secret

Are you signed up for a charity walk, and now it’s got you both excited and nervous? Or maybe you’ve upped the ante and signed up for your first marathon or half-marathon run. What about that bucket-list hiking adventure you’ve been putting off for “someday,” like the Camino de Santiago, the Appalachian Trail, or the Pacific Crest Trail?

Long or short, you can’t just jump into goals like these. Part of the challenge, and part of the fun, is the training. But the best preparation involves more than just performing the activity itself. 

Take hiking training and outdoor adventure training: Most people think they just need to log miles outside. That’s undoubtedly true, but adding indoor training can get you farther than just spending hours and hours walking around a track or your neighborhood.

In fact, it might just be a secret weapon.  

I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach to how to train for outdoor adventure can be the difference between struggling through your goal and absolutely crushing it.

The Power of Indoor Training for Outdoor Adventures

Recently, I got a message that absolutely made my day. One of my indoor rowing students reached out from Spain, where she was hiking the famous Camino de Santiago.

On her toughest days, when her legs were screaming and the trail seemed endless, she told me heard my voice from our “Frisky Friday” high-intensity rowing workouts: “You can do anything for a minute!”

That mantra kept her moving forward, minute by minute, step by challenging step.

“I just had to repeat it over and over, for 20 and 30 minutes at a time,” she joked.

My student’s story perfectly captures something I’ve come to understand through years of working with athletes of all ages, shapes, and sizes: indoor training – especially rowing – doesn’t just condition your body, it fortifies your mind.

Why Indoor Training Is Your Secret Weapon

Whether you’re doing Camino de Santiago training or preparing for any outdoor challenge, indoor workouts offer something you can’t get anywhere else: controlled conditions to build both physical and mental strength.

Here’s why indoor training is a game-changer for your next adventure:

Consistency You Can Count On

• No weather delays or excuses 
• Steady progress without external disruptions
• Reliable routine that builds lasting endurance 
• Perfect for those busy weeks when getting outside feels impossible

Targeted Strength and Conditioning

• Work specific muscle groups you’ll need for your adventure 
• Build functional strength that translates directly to outdoor performance 
• Practice movements that mimic your actual activity 
• Develop the core stability essential for long hikes and uneven terrain

The Cross-Training Advantage for Outdoor Adventures

One of the biggest mistakes I see in hiking training is people thinking they only need to… well, hike. But here’s what smart adventurers know: cross-training is your secret weapon for building a bulletproof body that can handle anything the trail throws at you.

Cross-training transforms your performance through:

• Injury prevention: Different activities work muscles in various ways, reducing overuse injuries
• Balanced strength: Hiking primarily works your legs—cross-training builds total-body power
• Enhanced endurance: Activities like rowing boost cardiovascular capacity beyond what walking alone can achieve
• Better recovery: Low-impact cross-training days help you bounce back faster from intense hike prep
• Mental freshness: Variety keeps training interesting and prevents burnout
• Improved stability: Different movement patterns enhance balance and proprioception for uneven terrain
• Weather backup: Indoor options ensure you never miss training due to conditions

Think about it: when you’re tackling a challenging trail, for example, you’re not just walking. You’re scrambling over rocks, maintaining balance on loose gravel, using your arms for stability, and engaging your core for hours. Cross-training prepares your entire body for these demands.

Mental Resilience Training

This is a big one. 

When you push through tough intervals or challenging strength workouts indoors, you’re building physical fitness AND mental toughness. That ability to tolerate uncomfortable situations.

Indoor training at higher intensities teaches you to push past that voice in your head that says, “I can’t do this anymore.” 

When you’re facing mile 15 of a long hike or dealing with unexpected weather, that mental resilience becomes your greatest asset.

Building Your Adventure-Ready Training Plan

So how do you actually structure your hiking training to maximize both indoor and outdoor benefits?

Start With a Strong Foundation

• Cardiovascular base: Indoor rowing, cycling, or treadmill work 
• Functional strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups, and core work
• Balance and stability: Single-leg exercises and proprioception training

Add Adventure-Specific Elements

• Incline training: Treadmill hills or stair climbing 
• Weighted carries: Simulate hiking with a pack 
• Interval training: Build the stamina for challenging sections

Don’t Forget Recovery

• Mobility work: Keep joints healthy and prevent injury 
• Sleep: Your body rebuilds and strengthens during rest 
• Nutrition: Fuel your training and recovery properly

The Right Gear Makes All the Difference

Let’s be real—having quality gear isn’t just about looking the part. It’s about comfort, safety, and actually enjoying your adventure instead of suffering through it.

Your feet are your foundation for any hiking adventure. Whether you’re walking a charity 10k or embarking on an extensive trek like the Camino de Santiago, investing in proper hiking boots is non-negotiable.

Look for boots that offer: 

• Stability on uneven surfaces 
• Durability for long distances 
• Comfort that lasts all day 
• Breathability to keep feet dry

And speaking of gear, efficient packing can make or break your adventure. 

A reliable, spacious pack or duffle bag keeps your equipment organized and accessible, so you spend less time worrying about logistics and more energy focused on the experience itself.

Your Mind Is Your Most Powerful Tool

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of coaching and from students like my Camino hiker: adventure-ready fitness is about more than just physical readiness.

It’s about developing an integrated approach that prepares your body and mind equally.

When you embrace indoor training as part of your hiking training, you’re not just building muscles—you’re building confidence. You’re proving to yourself that you can handle discomfort, push through challenges, and come out stronger on the other side.

Ready to Start Your Outdoor Adventure Training?

Your next big adventure is waiting. Whether it’s the Camino de Santiago, a challenging multi-day hike, or that charity walk you’ve been contemplating, the time to start preparing is now.

Remember: every minute you spend in indoor training is an investment in your outdoor success. Every challenging workout is building both the physical capacity and mental resilience you’ll need when things get tough.

So what’s your next big adventure? Or maybe it’s your first. Either way, tell me all about it in the comments!