HikeArizona.COM

i am getting myself ready for some long hiking and backpacking trips and was wondering if anyone out there was interested in doing some strength and weight training geared towards hiking/backpacking ?

Welcome to HAZ!

Depends on where you are located and what time you are available, but I may be able to help you out if all the logistics work out.

There is nothing in the gym that can come close to training you as well as the real thing. The best thing you can do is get out there and hike varying terrian. I have lots of suggestions if you want to hear them.
I personally do both weight training and field training.
Hiking around with your backpack loaded with 30-50 pounds is also a great way to prepare for backpacking trips. I just recently read posts on this site from a member named Hoolie, who used this method for a trip into the Canyon and I beleive he was very pleased with the results.
Try to pick terrian that will mimick where you plan on backpacking. For instance if you are going to the Grand Canyon and are planning on going down the Tanner Trail (steep and rocky), load your pack and hike up to the Flatiron or hike up to the Ridgeline from Carney Springs. If you plan on doing one of the smooth corridor superhighways (Bright Angel, Sout Kaibab) head for some of the well traveled valley trails that offer elevation flucuations.
Just my two cents. Good luck.

Arizonaheat

arizonaheat wrote: I just recently read posts on this site from a member named Hoolie, who used this method for a trip into the Canyon and I beleive he was very pleased with the results.t:

Hey, GTG! Hey Mike! Look at that...somebody listened to Hoolie :BH:

Just kidding ya Hoolie...we all listen to you!

I would also be interested... just concerned about the time and location. I'm also not much of a gym rat which is why I hike, but I definately like staying in shape and even ways to get into better shape.

ck1 wrote: Hey, GTG! Hey Mike! Look at that...somebody listened to Hoolie :BH:

Just kidding ya Hoolie...we all listen to you!

Yeah, you'd better listen! It's the wisdom of the aged! Oops! I mean ages! :roll:

evenstarx3 wrote:

ck1 wrote: Hey, GTG! Hey Mike! Look at that...somebody listened to Hoolie :BH:

Just kidding ya Hoolie...we all listen to you!

Yeah, you'd better listen! It's the wisdom of the aged! Oops! I mean ages! :roll:

Now don't go mistaking "wisdom" for "I randomly spouted out some crap and some of it made sense" - we all know better Hoolie.

Hoolie's brain: a living example of a million monkeys on a million typewriters

Watch out, you guys... from all the posts I've read, Hoolie generally wins these things!
Hoolie: What's that famous quote about "in a battle of wits..."?

Sorry, everyone, I just naturally gravitate to the underdog.

Hooli the underdog? Yeah right! He know's what's up!

Hooli knew what he was doing! LOL

wassssuuupppp with the hoolie thing : : :

jphiker

arizonaheat wrote:There is nothing in the gym that can come close to training you as well as the real thing. The best thing you can do is get out there and hike varying terrian.-------------------------
Try to pick terrian that will mimick where you plan on backpacking. Arizonaheat

First, I do not know who this Hoolie is. Heard him/her mentioned a time or two.
Second, I have to agree with Arizonaheat. Besides, I ask you, is a gym really fun with a bunch of sweating, hardbreathing, tightbodies in a cooped up room? I think not, speaking for myself of course. I would rather train for, condition for, what I love, hiking. Oh yaa! Thats where its at and admittingly because my time does not allow for me to hike/backpack as often as I like, I have developed a simple program for me. Work the upper body/abs in the morning prior to work (at home) and go jogging in the afternoon after work. Got to go now, and get ready for my Staurday Morning jog.

jphiker wrote:wassssuuupppp with the hoolie thing : : :

jphiker

Hoolie is also known as evenstar on this forum. He is the resident whipping boy...

(Oh, man am I gonna pay for that...)

Hoolie is also known as evenstar on this forum. He is the resident whipping boy...

Yeah, I heard he was into whips...

Cakewalk and Olesma, think you boy's mothers didn't whup you enough.

okay, after the overwhelming response to get in shape by backpacking and hiking i am going to do that for 3 days a week for the next 3 months(of course i will sprinkle in occasional visits to the gym) so if anyone has any good hikes planned and needs a partner let me know!!!!!
jphiker

What part of the valley do you live? I live in the west valley and do like the gym for "balance" I also like to do day and afternoon hikes with my pack for practice. White tanks anyone? It would be nice to find another that likes to hike out this way on a regular basis