An Unusual Cardio Workouts For Hikers

Today, I want to share with you a slightly unusual (but pretty effective) cardio workout that can help you with your hiking.

To preface this, the workout I am about to share should never entirely replace the 'tried and true' cardio workouts that most hikers are familiar with (e.g., pack walking, hill intervals, stair sessions, etc.).

But, if you have been going the same old thing for a while and are looking for a way to mix up your training, this might serve you well! 

It is called The Carry Workout. 

This is how you do it:

Find an oval, park or flat walking trail. 

Get yourself a relatively heavy object (e.g. a heavy dumbbell, a drybag full of water, a loaded pack, a big bag of rice/dog food or even a sturdy shopping bag filled with water bottles)

Walk around the oval for 20-40 minutes (or however long you like), and don't let the thing you carry hit the ground.

Simple!

You will notice that carrying the object in one position will tire certain muscles after a few minutes (if not, you will need something heavier). So this will force you to regularly change how you hold it (e.g. in each hand, on your shoulders, on your hip, at your chest or belly).

The beauty of this workout is that it not only adds some extra challenge to your walking but the awkward nature of holding the object challenges the body to stabilise in a range of different situations (which is always important for hikers who never know what the trail is going to throw at them!).

Each week you do this, you can either make the object slightly heavier, or increase the time you spend walking. 

It is straightforward, but it will certainly do the job!

So, if you have been doing the same old cardio workouts for a while...

And are looking for something new to try, give this a go!

And, of course, if you need some personalised help with your training for hiking, you can check out the Online Summit Program here:

https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

Yours in trekking,​

Rowan