Injury Prevention on the Descent: Staying Strong All the Way Down
The majority of hiking injuries occur on the descent — when fatigue, gravity, and uneven terrain converge. Downhill hiking demands more from your quads, knees, and ankles due to eccentric muscle contractions that absorb impact with every step.
When fatigued, stability muscles fire less efficiently, increasing the risk of rolled ankles, knee pain, and falls. Strength training that targets eccentric control — such as step-downs, reverse lunges, and controlled box drops — builds the resilience needed for long descents.
TrailGenic™ incorporates descent focus into training, emphasizing proprioception and strategic pacing to preserve form when it matters most.