TRAINING TIPS

Some Steps to Success

Every year, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels ascend the CN Tower with WWF-Canada. 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, your own personal best or for fun, we’ll be there to cheer you on and help you make it to the top.

1. Get in a Routine

Make sure you step train ahead of the event. 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 you move. For example, if you train for a total of 10 to 15 minutes at a time 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 forget about nature. There are some 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.

For more tips on reaching the top, check out this blog by WWF-Canada’s fastest CN Tower climber.

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 while training and 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 as 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. Take it at your own pace and you’ll be there before you know it. We’ll be there to cheer you on.