Terri Truman is a personal trainer, adventure traveller and long-time Berg Adventures climber. Whether you are touring the streets of Kathmandu, planning a day hike or attempting the summit of Mount Elbrus, Terri is here to help you make the most of your next adventure.

Back in Business

Terri and her 2013 Mount Elbrus team climbing to the summit

As we look forward to our next adventure, how many of us forget to train the muscles that keep us upright and functioning. When you pick up your pack and sling it over your shoulder to start your training regime, should we not look at the whole picture, starting with a strong core?

So many of us complain of back issues. It’s not normally just one thing or event that causes your back to “go out”. Usually, it’s years of poor posture, lack of flexibility or poor movement or exercise mechanics that leads to back trouble. How many of us are weekend warriors and try to cram as much fun into a weekend as possible?

Having a functional and stable core will allow your body to move efficiently. The key function of the abdominal and back musculature is not to create movement of the spine but rather to act as a stabilizing muscular force allowing you to maintain spinal and pelvic positioning. Keeping your abs and back muscles strong and functional allow you to move fluently when your body is asked to move. Whether you are moving across rocky, unstable terrain, crossing a rapidly flowing river or shouldering your pack for a long day of travel, having a solid foundation will help you stabilize your body for the journey.

Terri descending from the summit of Mount Elbrus

So, as you look towards your next adventure or just picking up a bag of groceries, don’t forget to treat your back with all the care and respect it deserves.

Go on, get out there…

‐ Terri

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Berg Adventures would like to SHARE THE LOVE and we encourage you to help us! Each day for the rest of the month of February, we will be posting a favorite expedition photo or memory on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We encourage you to participate by posting your favorite memory or photo, or simply sharing something you LOVE about traveling with Berg Adventures. Share with us on our Facebook wall, on Twitter with the hashtag #BAIShareTheLove or simply send them to us via email to info@bergadventures.com. In March we will share some of our favorite submissions in our newsletter and on our website.

The best part? We’ve got prizes! On March 1, we will select three winners, one for each of the three prizes listed below. Each time you share something with us, we enter your name into the draw offering up to 5 entries per person. That means if you share 5 photos or memories, you earn 5 chances to win! Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 MST on February 28th.

The prizes include:

1. A $300 Gift Certificate for a Berg Adventures trip
2. Coming Home Descent of Everest poster signed by Wally Berg
3. Ama Dablam Camp II poster signed by Wally Berg

See posters here in our online store.

If you prefer to keep your story or photo private, you can still participate and be eligible for a prize. Just share with us via email and indicate that you want to keep your memory private.

Thanks in advance for all of your submissions and don’t forget to watch our Facebook and Twitter pages to see our favorite memories too!