Quote:
Originally Posted by traumaqueen
Stairs , stairs, stairs! That's the key for hiking and backpacking. Stair master will give you a false sense of confidence when it comes time to do your first 10 mile day with a freshly loaded pack! That or Try long distance hiking with a loaded pack (30 lbs minimum if you plan on doing anything 3+ days). However there are some fun stair activities if you can find a place to train...why not set the goal of hiking the equivalent of Macchu Picchu - throw on the tunes and get busy!
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When I lived in Asheville, my walking routine included stairs. When I moved to a little town nearby (Fairview) my routine included a mammoth mother of a hill (a mountain really) and two smaller (by comparison) hills also. I'm HOPEFULLY moving back to that town soon, and if I do, I will resume that routine, PLUS there was another monster hill further down the same road.
But yes, carrying a weighted pack is a good idea for conditioning. And will REALLY help me with my reality check of what I NEED to take hiking/backpacking and what I don't.
PS: I have always felt that machines were not as good as the real thing...I don't feel the same way after a hike as I do walking on a treadmill. It's as if the machine helps too much. It feels like your not really propelling your weight and fighting gravity in the same way. I'm SO glad I can save myself the stairmaster misery! Thanks
