Like I said earlier, even though we categorise Kedarkantha as an easy-moderate trek, a decent level of fitness is required. I say this because if you struggle the entire trek, you won’t be able to enjoy the journey. You don’t just have to finish the trek or reach till the summit, it’s the experience that comes with it that matters.
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Also, the difficulty of a trek increases a little bit in the winter months. This is true for any other trek out there. High levels of snow can sometimes pose as a challenge. That is why it is imperative that you prepare well before going to the mountains.
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You could start running, at least a month before the trek. If you are able to cover a distance of 5 km under 35 minutes, lack of stamina will definitely not be a problem on the slopes. You can start small and then work your way up.
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I understand that not everyone likes to run. For those of us who don’t, you could do any other kind of exercise that helps you build your stamina as well as strength. You can traverse the stairs of your apartment a couple of times. Different kinds of squats are something that’ll help you build your leg muscles. This will prove to be very beneficial on the trek, as it wouldn’t be a new chore for your muscles.
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Personally, I feel that playing a sport can turn out to be the best kind of exercise. Before I moved to the mountains, I used to play badminton every single day and I gave the game a lot of credit for whatever fitness I have today. If you don’t like running or working out, this is your best option. Any kind of sport will do as long as it keeps you on the go.