Ze wrote:bird wrote:For getting in shape, try adding in some weightlifting. Take it slow and build up. The stronger you get, the better you'll feel.
why? I love weight training but it's certainly not imperative for hiking
bird wrote: Find a great trainer (they are hard to find, but they exist), stay off the weight machines, they are very inefficient.
inefficent how? as in they make you burn too many calories, don't stimulate muscle growth?
please tell me how one must be doing free weights or body weight exercises for "functional" hiking training...
bird wrote:You can also see if there is a crossfit affiliate near you (c'mon everyone...you knew it was coming
If you are already investing time to get fit, you might as well get the most bang for your buck.
but you won't actually get the most bang for you $$$, because you can certainly get well rounded training (and better cardio vascular training) without crossfit.
Ze
Nice of you to make up things to debate about.
1) Did I say that weight training is "imperative"? No I did not. Is it helpful for hiking and general physical preparedness. Yes.
2) Inefficient in that time spent on a muscle isolating weight machine is less efficient than a free weight based exercise that works multiple muscles at once. Here's a simple article
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/g ... -functions
3) Again, I don't use the word "must", I am making suggestions based on my own successful experience and the path laid by luminaries such as Mark Twight, and Rob Shaul. See article above or countless others on the benefits of functional fitness. Try this website
www.lmgtfy.com
The last statement is your opinion only. In no way do I suggest only following crossfit, just incorporating it into a training routine. And in my opinion, it is an invaluable element for an all around fitness program. I was also speaking more figuratively about "bang" meaning time, effort, etc, not literally.
If all you wanted to do was hike, and be the best hiker ever, then you should probably hike all the time. If you want to be in good all around shape, be able to lift your partners 50 lb pack and throw it in the trunk, carry cases of cat food and put them on a high shelf, and hike Mt. Whitney and feel great, then a program that includes running, hiking and functional fitness such as crossfit is a good idea. The biggest loser stuff is better than nothing, but I think even you will agree, not the best out there.