Are you thinking of taking up hiking? It is definitely an exhilarating and rewarding activity but you have to be prepared. Making sure you have the right equipment is essential but more important than that, you need to make sure you are physically able to take on the corporal challenge. If you're already a walker or runner it's a great start but hiking is much different.
Hiking involves carry upwards of 50 pounds on your back on terrain that you're probably not accustomed to. Not only will you need the physical strength in your legs, you'll also need good core strength and a good amount of stamina.
Just like taking on a mental test, you need to practice. First gain strength and stamina with just a day bag. As your day hikes become easier pack up your backpack and start trekking with weight on your shoulders. Start doing this at least a week before your hike, more if time permits.
Begin these "test runs" on level ground to get accustomed to the weight of your pack. After you've mastered that then move on to trails with rough terrain, grades and slippery surfaces so you can simulated a "real" hike.
Simulating your hike in this way has several benefits. Having a load on your back will build up muscles that will be used on your long hike. You're muscles will have time to recover and won't be sore for your "real" hike. If you have wear spots from your backpack or sores from your boots, you'll know where extra padding or cushion is required.
You'll also know what adjustments on your pack are necessary such as waist and shoulder straps. Shifting your equipment around can make a huge difference in your ability to carry weight on your back so move things around; try placing heavier items lower and close to your body.
These "test runs" are also a good way to judge if you're carrying too much; if after repeated trips you still have difficulty then think about discarding some of your "luxuries". You might think twice about cooking food and leave the camping stove for when you become a more experienced hiker.
Learn to pace yourself. This can be a difficult thing if you've never jogged long distances. Most beginners make the mistake of starting out too fast and tiring out too soon. It's better to start out slow and work your way up to a faster pace.
So don't jump into a long hike without first preparing yourself for the physical strength and stamina that's required. Make multiple "test runs" before you set out of your long hike in Malaga or anywhere in the world.
Hiking involves carry upwards of 50 pounds on your back on terrain that you're probably not accustomed to. Not only will you need the physical strength in your legs, you'll also need good core strength and a good amount of stamina.
Just like taking on a mental test, you need to practice. First gain strength and stamina with just a day bag. As your day hikes become easier pack up your backpack and start trekking with weight on your shoulders. Start doing this at least a week before your hike, more if time permits.
Begin these "test runs" on level ground to get accustomed to the weight of your pack. After you've mastered that then move on to trails with rough terrain, grades and slippery surfaces so you can simulated a "real" hike.
Simulating your hike in this way has several benefits. Having a load on your back will build up muscles that will be used on your long hike. You're muscles will have time to recover and won't be sore for your "real" hike. If you have wear spots from your backpack or sores from your boots, you'll know where extra padding or cushion is required.
You'll also know what adjustments on your pack are necessary such as waist and shoulder straps. Shifting your equipment around can make a huge difference in your ability to carry weight on your back so move things around; try placing heavier items lower and close to your body.
These "test runs" are also a good way to judge if you're carrying too much; if after repeated trips you still have difficulty then think about discarding some of your "luxuries". You might think twice about cooking food and leave the camping stove for when you become a more experienced hiker.
Learn to pace yourself. This can be a difficult thing if you've never jogged long distances. Most beginners make the mistake of starting out too fast and tiring out too soon. It's better to start out slow and work your way up to a faster pace.
So don't jump into a long hike without first preparing yourself for the physical strength and stamina that's required. Make multiple "test runs" before you set out of your long hike in Malaga or anywhere in the world.
About the Author:
Vince Paxton published for the most part for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web page covering information on malaga flights and flights to costa del sol. His publications on flight to malaga can be found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-del-sol/cheap-flights-to-malaga.html .
0 comments:
Post a Comment