training for beginners

“I've been on day hikes and camping, but am going backpacking for the first time. We are backpacking across the Isle Royale in Mich. I'm not in the best of shape so I know I need to up the cardio. for better endurence, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any resources for training for begining backpackers or if there ant any specific exercises people would suggest. Thanks”

“Stairmasters are your best bet in the gym. Also, I've found that when I'm running for exercise, it makes my hiking go easier. Try just running around the ole neighborhood.”

“Yes he is right working out on a stairmaster ot t.mill is your best bet.”

“Get used to wearing your pack too. Dayhiking and srair climbing is one thing but it's different when doing it while toting your gear.”

“It's all about interval training. That will build your cardio and push your Lactic acid threshold the fastest and best. WHen you start going for strength, load up your pack and climb a ladder. It works better then any stair master.”

“I spent 3 hours at the football stadium Saturday hiking the bleachers with a 25 lb pack. Nice workout.”

“I got this workout from onlinefit.com for backpacking so here it is:
Exercise Sets Reps
Incline dumbbell bench press 1-2 10-15
Dumbbell Concentration Curl 1-2 10-15
Squats 1-2 15
Calf raises 1-2 25
Lat Pull Down 1-2 10-15
Rope Push Down 1-2 10-15
Dumbbell Shoulder Press 1-2 10-15
Leg Extention 1-2 10-15
Leg Curl 1-2 10-15
Reverse Flys 1-2 10-15
Crunches (sit ups) 2 20
Mor Crunches (Sit ups) 2 20

*Choose a weight that you can complete at least 10 repetitions ith but not mor than 15 repetitions. If you can complete more than 15, increase the wieght by 5 lbs for exercises of the upper body and 10lbs for exercises of the lower body.

This is NOT my work out but I got it off of onlinefit.com and I use this along with a good aeorobic work out and it helps me out.

Sparky”

“well, I see it did not post like I typed it so here is the link directly to the site to get the work out and it has tips. Note that the above workout is for the gym equipment, on the same link page you will see one you can do at home and they show you how to do the exercises. Good luck!!!!

http://www.onlinefit.com/health/index.cfm/Category/119

Sparky”

“If you thinking about Isle Royal, you have the right idea 'bout getting into shape. What works for me is to just hike as much as you can first, then stairmaster, etc. If you happen to live in lower Michigan, the Pickney/Waterloo Rec area has a small section that has good climbs in it. Where ya from?”

“if you don't get used to your pack the bottom of your feet will hurt so bad you'll want to cry about the middle of your second day. im speaking from experience on that one. take vicodin with you”