TRAINING TIPS

Every year, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels ascend the CN Tower for nature. The average climber reaches the top in 30-40 minutes. If you live a high-performance lifestyle and want to push yourself further, the time to beat is a record seven minutes and 52 seconds.

Whether you’re climbing for a record time or your own personal best, we’ll be there to cheer you on all the way and help you make it to the top.

Steps to Success

1. Get in a Routine

Make sure you step train at least three times a week to train for the event. You won’t really benefit if you do less than this. However, don’t train if you’re unwell, as this might increase the time you’ll take to recover.
Don’t step train two days in a row for the first couple of weeks. Give your muscles and tendons a chance to adapt.

2. Train for time, not speed

Your training program should be designed to gradually increase the time you spend stepping, rather than how fast. Avoid drastic increases in your training time. If you train for a total of ten to 15 minutes three or four times in one week, don’t increase this by more than 10 minutes the following week.

3. Take it outside

Mix up your step training. Staircases in offices or apartment buildings are a great place to train, but don’t neglect to take this outdoors once in a while. There are often great places to train in and around the city.

4. Find your pack

Recruit a like-minded friend or friends to train and climb with. This will be a fun way to hold yourselves accountable and stay on schedule. Plus, don’t forget about post-climb celebrations and high-fives at the top.

Climb day tips

1. Wear a good pair of running shoes

It’s important to ensure that your shoes will provide sufficient cushioning to protect your back and legs from injury during both training and while climbing the CN Tower.

2. Warm-up and cool-down

You should warm-up for five to 15 minutes before step training. Stretching before climbing will help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Don’t forget to cool-down after your workout.

3. Be courteous

We recommend that slower climbers stay to the right-hand side of the stairwell so faster climbers can pass on the left. Please try to make the climb a scent-free event; scents may become overpowering in the enclosed stairwell. And of course, show courtesy to your fellow climbers.

4. Have fun

Remember, this is a fundraiser to support WWF-Canada and our conservation efforts, not a competition or race. Enjoy your journey to the top. You’ll be there before you know it.
Take it at your own pace and make it to the top in your own time. We’ll be there to cheer you on.