Can He Do It? Rick Ross To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 2024

Renowned hip-hop artist and producer Rick Ross has set an ambitious goal to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in early 2024 as you can hear in this interview on YouTube.

The preparation for this adventure involves rigorous training and fitness routines. Ross intends to work closely with his trainer to ensure he's adequately prepared for the strenuous climb.

The 20,000 foot climb, which can take up to 9 days, represents a true test of endurance and willpower. So the real question is…will Rick Ross be able to get in shape in time to climb the mountain in early 2024?

Over 35,000 people annually attempt to scale the mountain, but only two-thirds succeed, often hindered by altitude-related sickness. Ross plans a 12-day ascent and assures fans of his safety with a backup plan involving a helicopter rescue if necessary.

I guess it pays off being one of the richest and most successful producers of all time if you can get a private helicopter to pick you up from Mt. Kilimanjaro. Did you hear about Rick Ross purchasing a $37 million home recently?

What Does It Take To Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), is a challenging endeavor that demands physical and mental preparation.

As you ascend, you’ll quickly become robbed of oxygen, necessitating proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

Taking a longer route, ideally over 6 days, can help the body acclimatize better, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. The summit night is notably challenging, featuring a 4,084-foot ascent in conditions with 49% less oxygen, and can involve 12-14 hours of walking.

Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of preparing for Kilimanjaro. The trek requires the ability to walk multiple hours uphill with a weighted backpack, and then repeat this effort over consecutive days.

It's estimated that 30,000 people attempt the climb annually, with over 50% failing to reach the summit due to altitude sickness or becoming stranded after physical exhaustion.

But more so you need some insane mental toughness to keep up the journey for 9-12 days straight. So if you can’t find the courage to get up in the morning and go to the gym, maybe don’t try to climb Kilimanjaro.

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Training Regime

Planning on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro too? Personally I wouldn’t, you know since it’s also known as the “mountain of demons” and all. But that’s just me.

If you are crazy enough to do it though, it’ll involve a focused and intensive training regimen, targeting key areas such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, and acclimatization to high altitudes. Here's a rapid training approach:

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT workouts are effective for quickly improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance. These workouts alternate between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or rest. This type of training can rapidly boost your stamina and lung capacity, which are vital for high-altitude trekking.

Strength Training: Focus on exercises that build leg strength, core stability, and upper body muscle. Squats, lunges, deadlifts, and planks are essential for building the lower body and core strength needed for uphill trekking. Upper body exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and rows are crucial for carrying gear. Aim for full-body workouts 3-4 times a week.

Altitude Training: If possible, incorporate altitude training. This can be done by training in high-altitude locations or using an altitude training mask. This helps your body acclimate to lower oxygen levels, a critical factor in successfully summiting Kilimanjaro. You can even train with one of the “elevation training masks” if you feel like being the guy who looks like Bane in the gym.

Long-Distance Cardio: Engage in activities like long-distance running, cycling, or swimming. These exercises improve your overall cardiovascular health and endurance. Aim for sessions that last for an hour or more, at least 3-4 times a week.

Practice Hikes with a Backpack: Do regular hikes in varying terrain while carrying a weighted backpack or wearing a weighted vest. This not only builds strength but also prepares you for the actual conditions of trekking. Increase the distance and elevation gain of your hikes progressively.

Flexibility and Balance Training: Incorporate yoga or Pilates into your routine. These practices improve flexibility, balance, and core strength, reducing the risk of injury.

The Big Money Methods Takeaway

While climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro actually doesn’t require any vertical climbing, don’t think of it as any easy feat. Climbers can end up getting crazy altitude sickness or end up getting stranded on the mountain if they lack the physical endurance to climb all 20,000 feet.

At one of the highest points of the mountain, oxygen levels will even drop over 50%, making the climb literally twice as demanding.

Obviously Rick Ross isn’t the fittest of guys, so seeing him get into such good shape that he can accomplish this would be inspiring to say the least. I think we can all agree that if he can make that much of a transformation, accomplishing your new years resolution to go to the gym again should be easy in comparison.