VIDEO: Physical Conditioning for the Trail

**Arson** · 11-02-2010, 08:13

This video falls under the trip planning aspect of hammock camping. Getting all that gear into the woods can be daunting. You need to prepare your body like you do your equipment.

Enjoy!

**Tbull55** · 11-02-2010, 08:28

Thanks for the Video Arson! got me kick started to get in shape for my December hike!

Tbull

**Lonely Raven** · 11-02-2010, 08:40

Yeah, I'm hoping to make that Minnesota hang in January...I have some lbs to lose and training to do in order to make 3-5 mile tromp through the snow!

Great video again arson...but you're voice is so relaxed in this one...I almost fell asleep!

**Buenos** · 11-02-2010, 09:24

Thanks for posting this. Early morning walks are a great way to start my day, and I encourage every one to take a little time to get your heart pumping.

As a health care provider I see too much obesity, and hear too many excuses why a person doesn't excersize.

**islander** · 11-02-2010, 09:34

I agree with you whole heartedly Arson.

I have been walking 3-4 days a week after work, about a 2.5 mile loop. Amazing the stamina it will build in you over time.

I am at a desk job Mon-Fri. My walks have helped allot when it come to getting out hiking and carrying my gear on my back. Huge difference than if one doesn't do anything to prepare your body.

Well done video Arson. Thanks for that.

**Raul Perez** · 11-02-2010, 10:01

Thats a really good topic to make a video on it. I bet many people have different methods to prepare for a hike and get their body in shape.

Personally I dont have many areas to hike in my neighborhood. Nearest decent hiking trails are about 1/2 hour away. When I plan to go on an extended hike 3-7 days I usually change my weight training regime to supersets (5 heavy reps, 20 light reps - 5 sets) about 3-4 weeks before heading out. Big muscles (legs, chest, back) get 2 exercises in this format and small muscles (biceps, triceps, deltoids) get 1 exercise. Plus I increase my cardio and core (abdominal) exercises.

Did this for my last 2 hikes and noticed ZERO soreness the next day after 8-10 miles of hiking in Harriman State Park.

**mbiraman** · 11-02-2010, 10:22

+1 on the importance of prep for new adventures. I do a stretching program every morning and recently i started hiking up into the mnt area behind my place . I didn't do any added stretching for it and after a few days of uphill hiking i pulled something in my upper calf area. I guess i wasn't stretched enough and now i have a grimace.

**Arson** · 11-03-2010, 07:43

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone. I'm glad I could motivate some of you to get outside and move.

**Bradley** · 11-03-2010, 07:53

Originally Posted by Arson

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone. I'm glad I could motivate some of you to get outside and move.

My new job for the last year has me;
outside, walking always, carrying, climbing stairs, and hilly areas,
my work day is a trail-prep-work-out

**Bunk** · 11-03-2010, 08:56

Agreed, excellent video and a great topic.

I got my arse KICKED on my last canoe trip, puked twice on a 1 mile portage, heart rate went past 200bpm...I've never before puked from a workout or sport and that heart rate is just dangerious. It was a big wake up call to be better prepared physically for trips.

Just an excellent topic.

Thank you!