Hiking is the best way to get into hiking
But if you're like me and you don't have time to travel to an area to go hiking often, there's a few different activities at the gym that I find really helpful.
-The stair machine. Most gyms have them and they prepare to relatively well.
-The Arc Trainer. It's like a mix between an elliptical and a stair machine, but not all gyms have them.
-Weights. Work on strengthening your leg muscles AND your core muscles.
-The treadmill. I have a love/hate relationship with this, but it truly is the best way to do it. Set the treadmill on the highest incline, start at around 2MPH (maybe a bit less if you're really inactive), and
LET GO. You don't want to be hanging onto the treadmill, or else you won't actually be training your body for hiking. The first minute, you'll think I'm an idiot. It will feel easy. But let me know how you feel after 10.
Depending on where you are going hiking, you can probably get away with regular sneaks. If it is a well manicured trail, you likely don't have to worry about slipping on rocks. It just depends on the terrain.
Contrary to popular belief, boots don't actually support your ankle from injury. I've been reading a lot about this lately, because I have a horrible time with boots while hiking (blisters, broken toenails, etc.) However, if you knowingly have ankle issues, please wear boots (though they are unlikely to actually protect you). If you don't, consider trail runners, trail shoes, or just a mid-height boot. These will all have good traction, and the bonus is they are cheaper and easier to hike in.
Gonna agree with Olly on the tissues LOL And cough drops! I always need cough drops when I hike in colder weather.