fitness required for basic mountaineering course

Hi
I will be going for basic mountaineering course at HMI this Nov-Dec. From other IM posts and various blogs I understand that the course demands excellent physical fitness and stamina. Also more than 70-80% are candidates are either from army or local hilly people and rest are normal civilians like me. HMI's site does not mention much about how to prepare oneself for the course.

Want to know from those who have already completed basic mountaineering course at any of the institutes - how to prepare for the basic mountaineeing course.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

The physical stamina will eventually build up. Try to do as much aerobic exercises as possible eg running, cycling, swimming prior to this if possible.

The muscle strength will need to be developed on the training. But remember, non matter whatever preparation we do in plains - the exhaustion at altitude can not be replicated. So just relax.

Most importantly, mental strength is most essential in such trainings.

Take a chill pill...and relax. Everything will work out fine.

thanks

Rajat

Hi---------me to also going to attend this course NOV-DEC,BMC IN HMI.