« Return to Thread: Unstable and Imbalanced – A Hiker’s Workout
Re: Unstable and Imbalanced A Hikers Workout
by James D. Marco-2
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Wow, Rich this is quite the workout and looks like a good one!
While I do not use machines, I do recognize their value. Especially,
a stair stepper and elliptical machine for climbing. My brother in law
uses a stair stepper and easily climbs hills I have to stop and take
a breather on for a minute. My daughter has an elliptical that lets
her keep up. (She will be out of action for a few years...pregnant with
her first, due in April.)
Living in what most would term a country setting, I don't get
too wrapped up in gym machines. I have had memberships in the
past, mostly gifts or complimentary, and have used them. They
do a good job of burning calories and getting you in good shape.
But, there is really no substitute for just strapping on a pack
and heading out the back door, for me. In a mile I have several
smaller hills, up and down (something none of the machines
properly simulate.) Balance becomes second nature. Muddy trails
are usual, only in high summer do things ever dry out. My usual
training pack is ~50# with 7-1/2# of wrist weights and 2 staffs.
I think this shows that hiking with a pack is at least as good as a
gym exercise, and I feel it is the best exercise for hiking.
Any thoughts on hiking down hills? This would be quite
helpful.
My thoughts only . . .
jdm
At 07:05 PM 10/26/2009, you wrote:
<...deleted>
>The idea of training to most closely simulate actual backpacking is a
>good one. The idea of doing complex motions rather than isolated motions
>is a good one.
>The idea of avoiding machines that force you into a certain path and
>don't require accessory muscles is a good one.
>
>My main weight training exercises for backpacking are the full squat
>and straight legged dead lifts done with free weights. For those who
>have attempted the full squat with free weights, it does require
>auxiliary muscles to maintain proper balance. I also do the one legged
>squat with free weights that is much more difficult.
>
>I use the elliptical machine to simulate using walking poles and
>climbing hills. I will sometimes wear a loaded backpack while on the
>elliptical trainer.
>
>Rich
While I do not use machines, I do recognize their value. Especially,
a stair stepper and elliptical machine for climbing. My brother in law
uses a stair stepper and easily climbs hills I have to stop and take
a breather on for a minute. My daughter has an elliptical that lets
her keep up. (She will be out of action for a few years...pregnant with
her first, due in April.)
Living in what most would term a country setting, I don't get
too wrapped up in gym machines. I have had memberships in the
past, mostly gifts or complimentary, and have used them. They
do a good job of burning calories and getting you in good shape.
But, there is really no substitute for just strapping on a pack
and heading out the back door, for me. In a mile I have several
smaller hills, up and down (something none of the machines
properly simulate.) Balance becomes second nature. Muddy trails
are usual, only in high summer do things ever dry out. My usual
training pack is ~50# with 7-1/2# of wrist weights and 2 staffs.
I think this shows that hiking with a pack is at least as good as a
gym exercise, and I feel it is the best exercise for hiking.
Any thoughts on hiking down hills? This would be quite
helpful.
My thoughts only . . .
jdm
At 07:05 PM 10/26/2009, you wrote:
<...deleted>
>The idea of training to most closely simulate actual backpacking is a
>good one. The idea of doing complex motions rather than isolated motions
>is a good one.
>The idea of avoiding machines that force you into a certain path and
>don't require accessory muscles is a good one.
>
>My main weight training exercises for backpacking are the full squat
>and straight legged dead lifts done with free weights. For those who
>have attempted the full squat with free weights, it does require
>auxiliary muscles to maintain proper balance. I also do the one legged
>squat with free weights that is much more difficult.
>
>I use the elliptical machine to simulate using walking poles and
>climbing hills. I will sometimes wear a loaded backpack while on the
>elliptical trainer.
>
>Rich
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