Strength Training

While training for walking the Camino most of us will start by walking. Walking is a good place to start, however  it is also important to add strength training.  Well to be honest strength training is important for us just in doing our everyday activities. Especially as we get older we need to keep our muscle mass to continue to be active. When many hear strength training they think weight training and that can be scary for some. However you need not be scared.

Some may wonder why strength training is important or how it will help them. Well for starters if you plan on carrying a pack you will need to have a strong back, strong shoulders and back Not to mention strong legs to carry it all. Part of the training will be to walk with the pack at the weight you intend to carry, however prior to that having a good strong foundation is helpful.

There are many resources on line to help with strength training workouts especially for hiking and backpacking.  Some I have come across are:

http://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-workout-hike-farther-hike-stronger

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/conditioning-backpacking.html

https://www.verywell.com/weight-training-program-for-hiking-and-backpacking-3498750

http://www.bodyresults.com/s2hiking-strength.asp

So for me its time to add some strength training to my workouts. My training has been on again off again over the years, so at least I don't feel like I am starting at square one this time. I was happy with myself when I began my lifting again and found I could lift the same weight as before and in some cases more.  I went to the gym today and did my full body workout. I am sure I will be sore tomorrow, but for now I feel good and strong.  I also walked a bit and rode the bike for 30 minutes.


So all in all a good day!