Balanced Physical And Nutrition Exercises Become The Main Capital For Safety When Riding The Mountain

JAKARTA - Before starting an adventure to the top of the mountain, climbers need to realize the success of climbing not only depends on adequate equipment, but also on the physical and nutritional readiness of the body.

Climbing activity is included in the extreme tourism category, where the body is required to face harsh environmental conditions, such as low temperatures, low air pressure, and low oxygen levels. In this context, maintaining fitness and paying attention to eating is a very crucial aspect.

Clinical Nutrition Specialist from the University of Indonesia, dr. Pande Putu Agus Mahendra, M.Gzi, Sp.GK, emphasized that before doing climbing activities, it is important to ensure that the body's vital indicators are optimal.

"The main indicators at the level of body fitness, such as vital signs in blood pressure, heart rate, and also the body recovery factor, must really be considered," explained dr. Pandemic as quoted by ANTARA.

In addition to checking the basic condition of the body, he suggested that prospective climbers undergo a thorough health check-up, especially for those who are climbing for the first time. This is to ensure that the body is able to adapt to extreme different environmental conditions.

"Medical check-ups are very important to know the limits of the body's ability because when climbing a mountain, there will be changes in air pressure, humidity, oxygen levels, and other conditions that require a good body response," he said.

Regarding certain age or medical conditions, dr. Pandemic explained that climbing activities can still be done as long as the body is in good condition, has a normal heart and kidney function, and has undergone targeted physical exercise.

He recommended that types of exercises such as cardiovascular and weight training be carried out in stages and consistently, ideally starting three months before climbing.

No less important, the nutritional aspect is also the main foundation in supporting performance while climbing. He recommends eating foods with balanced nutrition, rich in starch complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, to maintain the stability of the body's energy. Fermented foods should be avoided because they have the potential to cause digestive disorders when at high levels.

Regarding body fluids, dr. Pandemic emphasizes the importance of adequate hydration, because even though it is in cold temperature, the body still loses fluids.

" Fluid evaporation continues, even in cold weather, so maintaining a drinking pattern is very important to avoid dehydration which can worsen physical conditions while climbing," he explained.

Regarding supplements, according to dr. Pandemic, if the body is in good health and the nutritional needs have been met from daily food, then supplements are not needed.

"Except for special conditions, and it will be different for each individual," he added, asserting that everyone has a unique need. Through serious physical preparation and diet, mountain climbing can be done more safely, healthily, and optimally.

"Extreme activities such as climbing mountains are not only a matter of natural challenges, but also about the body's readiness to deal with extreme changes in the environment," he concluded.