Fitness gradings

FIVE STEPS OF FITNESS

The fitness grading we use at VUWTC is based around five 'steps' of fitness and is used to enable us to place you in a group of people with similar abilities and fitness.

 

WHAT'S FOR ME?

If you are unsure of your level of fitness, either because it has been a while since you tramped or this is your first tramp, then it is better not to go for medium fit or fit grades but to place yourself in easy, medium easy or medium.

You will notice that we have specified levels of knowledge before you should go on medium fit or fit trips. This is because these groups often go into difficult areas and we would like each group member, along with the leader, to have enough knowledge to keep themselves out of trouble.

 

Grading What Is Expected Grade Suits
E -Easy
  • Walk for four hours per day.
  • Have rests every half hour or so
  • Pace is very easy with long stops
  • Relaxed and social
  • Photographers
  • Done little or no tramping
ME - Medium Easy
  • Walk for five hours per day
  • Have rests every half hour or so
  • Pace is easy with long stops can climb a single hill over 1000m
  • Relaxed and social
  • Photographers
  • Done a little tramping
M - Medium
  • Can walk for six hours per day
  • Have rests every hour or so
  • Pace is reasonable
  • Rests are short
  • Can climb a single hill over 1000m
  • Have adequate gear
  • Want to get places
  • Have tramped before
  • Some bushcraft skills
MF - Medium Fit
  • Walk for up to 7 hours per day
  • Have rests occasionally
  • Pace is moderately quick
  • rests are short
  • Have tramped lots
  • Want to get places
  • Good bushcraft skills
  • Have track record with club
F - Fit
  • Can walk for >7 hrs per day (forever)
  • Rests?
  • Pace is quick
  • Rests are short
  • Climb multiple hills over 1000m
  • Have tramped lots

 

STILL CONFUSED?

If you are still unsure about what level of fitness you are, then either discuss this with the Chief Guide or the trip organiser. In general we would advise you to go for medium easy or easy if you have never tramped or hardly ever and medium easy or medium if you have done some tramping.

 

 

Remember - The best way to improve tramping fitness is to go tramping !!!!!