Should we stop asking for fitness proof from trekkers?

[Swathi Chatrapathy]

Today, I want to bring to you a conundrum we're facing at Indiahikes. And I want your opinion. 
 
We are wondering if we should stop asking trekkers for a ‘fitness proof’ before their treks.
 
Six years ago, we made an extraordinary decision at Indiahikes. Something many people found hard and still find hard to comprehend. 
 
We decided to ask trekkers for a "proof of fitness" before they went on their treks. 
 
Trekkers would have to upload a screenshot of their fitness routine, get an approval from our team and only then be allowed on our treks. (We still follow this process.)
 
Something like this hadn't been done before, and the reaction we got was as expected. 
 
Initially, hundreds of trekkers revolted, refused to share screenshots, faked screenshots and even threatened to trek with other organisations. They objected when we cancelled their trek because of their lack of fitness.
 
However, we stood our ground, because we knew moving towards fitness was for the larger good of the trekking community. 
 
It took around 6 months to a year, but we started seeing a gradual behavioural change among Indiahikes trekkers. 
 
Trekkers who had been treating Himalayan treks casually, were now approaching it with seriousness and preparedness. There were fewer injuries and AMS cases. Every trekker’s experience got better — where they could focus on larger takeaways from the trek and not just on completing the trek. They even went on to make strong lifestyle changes, moving towards fitness. 
 
Even though they did it because Indiahikes was asking for it, the benefits were reaped by them on the trek, and very often after the trek as well. 
 
Today, there's a marked difference in the fitness of our trekkers vs other trekkers on the trail. They are fitter, better prepared for uncertainties. 
 
So here's our conundrum. 
 
We have been driving our fitness campaign forward very strongly for six years, and we have seen good results. 

But we have begun to think if it is time for Indiahikes to step back from this "fitness proof" process?

Which is why I wanted to ask your thoughts on this. I am asking you this for four reasons: 

• As an organisation it's becoming harder and harder for us to pay individual attention to the fitness of over 25,000 trekkers per year. 6 years ago we were only about 12,000 trekkers strong. The number of trekkers is only increasing.
   
• We strongly believe that fitness is a trekkers’ responsibility. The onus of every trekker’s fitness is on himself/herself. Somehow, asking for proof of fitness for a trekkers’ puts the responsibility on us.
   
• While most of the trekkers prepare well, there are a few who do not. When they get on a trek, they circulate among themselves (almost triumphantly) how they escaped the Indiahikes fitness check. Those who have prepared earnestly, start to doubt Indiahikes’ processes. Many of them get upset and angry at the loopholes in our system. They even ask us, why did we ask them to prepare so strongly if we were going to allow those who did not prepare? We have no answers to these questions.
   
• Yet, we are worried that if we stop this process, the community might revert back to six years ago, where Himalayan treks were getting treated very casually. That if we did not ask trekkers to prepare, they would stop making the effort that they are doing now. We would be saddled with unfit, unprepared trekkers for a Himalayan trek. This can be disastrous for the team. 

So we have a few thoughts about this:
 

1. What if we have much stronger communication about being fit on our website, on our trek pages, on our registration forms, on emails and Whatsapp. What if this communication focused on the consequences of not preparing well. What if it outlined what the trekkers could possibly lose if they did not prepare. Would it help trekkers preparing well for the trek?
    
2. At the same time, we want to introduce strong action against those who come without any preparation on a trek. What if we followed a strong turnaround time on our treks. For example, if you are expected to reach camp by 1.00 pm, you reach there by 2.30 pm, then it shows you have not prepared for the trek. We send you down from the trek. This saves the experience of other trekkers, who have actually prepared for the trek. 

 I wonder what you think. 
 
Do you think we should stop asking for fitness proof? Do you think the trekking community has matured enough to take their fitness into their own hands and be responsible for it? 
 
We’re in two minds, and any experienced trekkers’ thoughts would help. 
 
Let us know what you think. 

Adding this after reading a lot of trekker's thoughts: 

 

"Going by all the responses,  I wanted to  share clarifications on two thoughts. 

 

1. I notice that when I say "we may stop asking for fitness proof," several trekkers seem to be reading it as "we will not pay attention to fitness anymore." I want to clarify this here. 

 

By stepping back from asking for fitness screenshots, we are by no means going to reduce our stress on fitness. That's not our intent. For us as an organisation, fitness is a core value. It's something we will never take a backseat from. 

 

We may simplify our process, automate it or bring about a different process. But we still want Indiahikes trekkers to be fit, and we will find a way to assure that fitness doesn't get compromised.

 

So if you're a proud Indiahiker because of our stress on fitness, don't worry about that. We will not back away from fitness. 

 

2. Secondly, I notice a lot of apprehension on the idea of a turnaround time. This is something I want to clarify. 

 

Having a turnaround time doesn't mean trekking fast or speed trekking. 

 

We definitely do not want to speed-trek. All of us at Indiahikes are nature-lovers and want to spend enough and more time in the forests, the meadows and in the heart of the mountains. We enjoy the time we get to document the trail, photograph the trail and take in the moment. 

 

There's a very big difference, though, between "being unfit" to trek and "trekking at a comfortable pace." Some points I'd like to clarify here:

• The average time is counted not by taking into account the fastest trekker, but usually by taking into account the average trekker who has worked on their fitness (around 80% of the team). 
   
• We have limited resources in the mountains. A team of 21 usually has a healthy ratio of 1:7. But if there are 1-2 unfit trekkers, however, then one guide's attention usually gets consumed by just those 2 trekkers, which skews the ratio. Not only does this hamper the experience, but it also compromises the safety of the team.
   
• If there is a gap of around 1.5 - 2 hours between 1-2 trekkers and the rest of the group, it is a clear indication of a lack of fitness. 
  
  Say, 80% of the team reaches a campsite at 2 pm, there would always be 2-3 trekkers who reach by 3 or 3.30 pm, which is still acceptable. But if there are trekkers who reach beyond 4 pm, then that's a concern. Taking an unfit trekker like that to a summit is not only going to be unsafe for them, but it's going to be a burden to the rest of the team as well. 

So even if we introduce a strong turnaround clause, it will be only on treks where trekkers are utterly unfit, so much so that they may not be able to complete the trek. 

 

(For those who don't know about it, such a clause already exists. Even on our current treks, we take hard calls when trekkers are not prepared. Many times, trekkers themselves opt out after Day 1, realising their lack of fitness. But sometimes, our teams take these calls too.)

 

But to summarise what I'm taking away from trekkers, is that they truly appreciate the stress on fitness that we have at Indiahikes. Many of them have found a reason to get when we have asked for fitness proofs and pushed them towards it. 

 

However, the larger issue still remains, of our inability to follow up with 25,000 trekkers. We are looking for ways of automating it, or simplifying the process, filtering the process. Would love to hear more solutions on these lines, because this is the larger problem we are trying to solve."

[sunil bhat]

Hi,

Fitness is important for any trek, for individual level as well as for the trekking team.

Contune your fitness check process .

Regards

SB

[Aravind]

No! Kindly do not stop this process. Keep asking the fitness proof from trekkers. 

Last time when I went on the Tungnath- chandrashila trek with my college friends, only 3/10 we're able to make it to the top. Reason, we three had the habit of playing frisbee daily in our college which had improved our stamina over time. All of a sudden our body cannot do something so physical as a 20km trek in harsh terrain and weather. I could see the disappointment in my friends faces who couldn't complete the trek and had to return midway. Believe me not able to continue the trek midway is worse than not going for the trek at all. 

So, keep pushing our trekking community to be fit so that they can enjoy the experience of a trek to the fullest. 

Cheers.! 

[Abhay Poddar]

Hi Swati,

As correctly stated by you it's a double edged sword. Yes, I definitely agree that fitness is the responsibility of the trekker and a stronger assertive  communication when a trekker registers for a trek should do. Also  a detailed note of the consequences of not preparing well for trek should also be communicated to the trekkers.

 

[asinghal77]

Hi, 

Fitness is very important for high altitude multi-day treks. You really get to enjoy a trek only if you are really fit else you struggle to climb and  make whole batch suffer as well.  So atleast new trekkers should still submit the data before going. Old timers can be skipped 🙂

 

[Harveen Chadha]

“If you are expected to reach camp by 1.00 pm, you reach there by 2.30 pm”

This maybe one of the poorest assumptions one can make from administration side. Many trek leaders know that situation on ground is different than what is written in itineraries.

Most of the times delay is not due to fitness, it also depends on the state of the mind, feelings during trekking.

What if a person runs 5km under 20 minutes but during the trek injures his ankle slightly which is quite common and his pace reduces? So is he unfit for the trek now ? NO

The whole idea around fitness should be automated. We are in 2022, why to ask for screenshots when you can work with companies to consume API’s. Anyways having a strict terms and conditions clause can also work here.

Edited October 13, 2022 by Harveen Chadha

[Abhiram]

No you should ask for fitness proof.

Allow trackers to join who have shared fitness proof.

if you find someone lagging behind even if after submitting fitness proof that person should not be sent back if the trek leader finds him otherwise fit.

Treking is about enjoyment and not speed.

 

 

[Amlan]

Please continue the request for fitness proof. It motivates trekkers to be serious about fitness and physical requirements of treks. First timers who focus on fitness to provide the proof will not be put off by their first trek experiences and may get into trekking. Those who lack fitness may have negative experiences and may give up trekking totally.

[Sam]

Please keep asking for fitness proof. Never allow an unfit person on a trek for it could be dangerous and fatal to them. Trekking needs to be taken seriously. Not worth taking this risk. If you want India Hikes to be taken seriously by trekkers, please don't stop this practice.

[Gopal]

As someone who uploaded fitness proofs while attempting to join a trek and not getting any response whatsoever, I think your system is broken in more ways than one. You need to do some serious homework. 

Gopal

[Abhishek]

For me these standards are what sets Indiahikes apart from all the other so called trekking agencies. Your fitness screenshot requirement is what got me into fitness 2 years back and since then I haven’t looked back. I owe a great deal to IH for that and I am sure a lot of others too. DO NOT CHANGE THE REQUIREMENT. 

[Jagannath]

Hi Swathi 

Do not stop asking for fitness proof.  You will find one or two who fudge these while submitting but it does not mean you will stop this practice for very few of them. Your organisation has taken so much of efforts to put this in practice and now you should not go back

regards

Jagannath

[Sathish Muthu]

Hi Swathi

DO NOT STOP THIS PROCESS

Though you feel that it puts a lot of burden on your side, it is definitely gonna pay you back by saving your efforts to retrieve or manage the unfit trekkers in the trail 

As a trekker it further motivates us to go a step forward from your current fitness goals and help us push our limits further 

You might find some ways and means to ensure the fitness level of the trekker apart form the screenshots if you find it could be faked

 

[ashutosh]

Hi! 

 

First time that I'm about to trek with IndiaHikes. I have however trekked before with other organisations in the Himalayas. 

 

I like the fact that I'm expected to work on myself for the trek as part of the trek requirements.  However I could use some leniency in terms of the expected distance/time. 

But as conclusion, do not stop this practise. 

 

 

[Srikanth KG]

I find fitness approval process very important for someone like me who prepares for a Himalayan trek a month or 2 before. This ensures that I'm serious enough and constantly reminded to improve my fitness. 

My suggestion would be to be automate the fitness approval process without screenshots but upload the data in a different format that's suitable for automation - you may want to ask trekkers only a specific app - and check whether there is a possibility to export the monthly data and import them into the IndiaHikes site - and then let the site give out the results. Innovation is needed here.

[aporajita]

To me, preparation is key for a trek and it includes correct equipment, appropriate fitness and a positive attitude. But, each of this is internal n personal n esp. fitness cannot be compromised.

But i disagree wth the thought that the ones who "reach late" are the ones who are unfit. They could very well be the ones photographing, the ones soaking in the experience,the ones helping others,etc... n not running to reach the end. To me, trekking in the Himalayas is more than "reaching somewhere"...so the time one takes should not be the only criteria of  fitness...

Putting up videos on fitness is a good idea. A preliminary online meeting too could be held to emphasize the same. 

[Ivan]

Fitness requirements should continue. It could be tweaked depending upon age and trek difficulty. Also, as Indiahikes now is the benchmark for sustainable treks, pls consider stopping the offloading facility. It is a sign of fitness too. Else people will pack any amount of stuff if they are not going to carry. 

[Dipti M]

No, Please continue with this requirement. All the processes which India hikes have, makes it different from other organizations.
The process is for the good for trekkers, and it creates lot of awareness about the fitness in today's world. At the end, it depends on individuals how to look at it. 

 

[Jayashree]

Hi Swati,

No! Please continue the fitness check process. Stronger communication on the impact of unpreparedness along with some examples should drive the point to people who take it lightly. 

Cheers,Jayashree

[Chandan]

Hi,

In my view, we should continue to ask for fitness proof. It is in trekker’s interest.

I have seen situations where my fellow trekker had to be sent back because of fitness issues and that results in multiple issues - medical emergency in a remote area, logistical issue, mood spoiler because we want to complete the trek together etc. We all should try and avoid these situation proactively and seeking fitness is the only way.

I think Indiahikes is doing the right thing, in the interest of other trekkers, by seeking fitness proof.

Cheers and keep trekking!!

[Girish Korkod]

Agree. I guess we should make trekkers responsible for the preparation & be fit for a trek. Also frequent BP checks every morning during the trekking is creating panic & BP will invariably on the higher side. This probably should be avoided & check only if there are serious issues.

[Darshil]

Fitness proofs are important to judge a trekker's capability. It also motivates people to get fit before a trek. Even if they're not able to meet the time requirement, they atleast try doing it a few times. This inculcates a healthy behavior among trekkers. Also, first timers can be asked to submit it compulsorily whereas people with previous treking experience can be excused as they know the issues of not being fit. Measures also need to be taken to ensure people are submitting authentic proofs. Also, the policy of sending people back needs to be adhered to so as to ensure that experience of other trekkers is not ruined

[Debarshi]

Regarding fitness proofs, I think there will always be some people who think they know better and will try to game the system. It is difficult to filter them out with any sort of self-reported tests. I guess (hope?) majority of trekkers genuinely want to put in the required effort and the fitness test serves as a nice benchmark for them. I agree that putting the "fitness test" criterion can shift the focus on just passing the test to be allowed to trek (thinking "If I fail, they won't let me trek, hence I must furnish the proof somehow" as opposed to "If I can't hit the benchmark consistently, I will have a miserable time on the trek, and will probably slow down the whole team"). 

One suggestion from my side would be (on the lines of thought #1 in the post) to have bold disclaimers and discourage trekkers from booking a trek unless they already can hit the benchmark consistently i.e. they should be fit enough 1-2 months before (when the book) the trek. A bold "Do NOT book this trek unless you can already run 5 kms consistently (3 consecutive days) under xx minutes" should be a nice wake-up call.

I am on the fence regarding thought #2. Isn't it true that AMS can hit even the well-prepared (maybe with lower probability, but still) trekkers? In that potential case, labelling them as "fakers" (of fitness) might be a bit unjust. But I really don't have enough trekking experience to judge this option. 
On a similar note, however, can we apply this concept to future trek bookings? I.e. if anyone fails to complete a trek or slows down and if the trek leader identifies the cause as lack of fitness, the trekker goes into some sort of list and is allowed to book only those treks which are of similar (or maybe lower) difficulty levels in future. In other words, trekkers don't get to climb the IH trek difficulty ladder unless they show the fitness required in the earlier levels. 

This is a very important and complex problem, and I hope others will pitch in with their thoughts as well. 🙂

Edited October 13, 2022 by Debarshi

[abhig]

My view, we should continue this practice of mandating fitness criteria. But we also need to improve our user interface and process. Current system has number of intermittent issues and due to which a consistent approval process does not follow.  For this process to work seamlessly its essential that people record their fitness on a standard app e.g. Strava, NRC etc. Alternatively you can launch your own app to customize fitness need of a trek. Although this is challenging at times when people don't use standard apps or smart watch. To encourage this you can introduce a point based system using platform like Strava. People should be able to buy goodies using those points, or get discount in their next trek. Or you introduce a new badge to honor most consistent and fit trekkers. One simple idea is to create a club on Strava for every trekking batch and ask everyone to join to promote healthy fitness challenge and to gain fitness points. 

Onething is for sure this practice of mandating fitness should continue but at the same time IH need to transform its current process. 

[Ajay Nangalia]

I believe that you should strongly encourage and communicate the fitness parameters as you have been doing so till now. You have also been alerting hikers to the benefits and consequences of not being physically prepared on the trek through your videos.  And, because of this information and the fitness parameters that you hold to be allowed to trek with IH, I have started 6 months in advance to prepare for a March/April trek.

 Now this is where your responsibility should end. It's not fair for you to police trekkers-  who are after all your customers - we have a choice to go the many many other agencies and independent guides who offer the same routes. The other requirement that does not make sense - and is almost disrespectful is to insist on a TMT test for those above 58!  Either ask everyone or then you can give the recommendation to have a cleared TMT for older folks but DO NOT make this a police requirement or an army entrance test.  There are so many younger hikers who would not have an acceptable TMT.   I understand the unfortunate experience you've had, but it's time to let this one go as it does not make sense for an organisation such as IH. 

Perhaps just having a Dr certificate and getting an indemnity from IH hike side should be sufficient.  Clients/trekkers should have or will develop the maturity to take appropriate preparations.  

If you continue insisting on policing fitness standards then you will certainly have older clients such as myself - who have lots of time and money 😃- to trek with other agencies.  And, this would be heart breaking for me personally cause I love the ethos IH has created.   😃 🙏🏽 🙏🏽