New to backpacking

[earthypets]

I have never done a trek using a backpack. I am not worried about the distance, but I am concerned about being in shape to carry my own backpack.
Any suggestions on what I can do to train for the Mont Blanc trek?
Thanks

[thecakeisalie]

Stairs. And lots of them.

Start taking long-ish hikes with a full pack around your home town. Start with a couple of miles (or kms, I suppose), and gradually increase the distance. What you need to identify during these training sessions are any potential serious issues with doing long distances; trick knees, bad hip flexors, etc. Then you'll know where to put the ice!

[Zuleika]

Living in London there arent too many places to practice hiking - so I do steep up-incline fast walking on the treadmill at the gym with added hand weights when I really want to push it. Got me fit OK for Nepal! You also need leg strengthening excercises - I got one of the fitness trainers at my gym show me how to go leg presses etc etc and also joined a body pump class.

[ExplorerWannaBe]

I would alternate days of hiking on flat ground, going for distance and sustained pace of about 6 km/hr with days on a stairstepper or steeply inclined treadmill -- preferably the stair stepper. In this latter case, your pace doesn't count for as much as building endurance for hilly climbs. This is also a good time to break in your hiking boots if you haven't done so already -- you do NOT want to start a lengthy trek with brand new boots!