Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Does weight lifting help hiking?

I figure that leg extensions, leg lifts, etc. would help the hiker. But what about upper body weight lifting? I hate lifting weights, but now that I am approaching 40, I figure I'd better start. I could be motivated to lift weights if I was really convinced it would help me hiking. Carrying a 50 pound pack has never bothered me. I don't know much about weight lifting and prefer cardio workouts, which I know help my hiking. Anyone have opinions on the benefits of weight lifting for hiking, or is it a wash? If I can be convinced it's beneficial, I could do it and possibly learn to like it (a little).

While weight training in College (decades ago), I found that general fitness helped even my rock climbing greatly. Combining regular weights with running got me into the best shape I've ever been in.

Now, with my upper body strength greatly lessened, I'm tempted to join a gym. But, I just do mostly class 4 or less, and then not very much. I've always hoped to return to the vertical walls, but not able to do a single chin-up, now, heavily discourages that!

I would need a personal trainer, which I could never afford. Buying into gym membership might help you to maintain your weight and general overall fitness.

I was taught there are two kinds of exercise, anaerobic (weights) and aerobic (endurance). Both should be pursued for mountaineering. But, if you only hike, I'd say save your money, and keep up hiking/walking/biking to avoid the pounds, or to keep you in condition.

YES YES YES. even though you may have no problem carrying that 50 pound pack the stronger you are for any physical activity the better you'll perform and the easier that activity will be for you. Lifting and carrying a pack, using trekking poles, helping to pull yourself up rocks, and all the little things add up also.These all become easier the stronger your upper body is. The additonal strength also can be beneficial if you're injured or become sick and the benefits carry over to your life outside of hiking/climbing also.

The larger and stronger your muscles are the more blood you have. Therefore you can carry more oxygen. I'd recommend lifting weights (one day arms, one back/abs and one legs) then doing cardio at least an hour 4 to 5 days a weeks for getting in shape for strenuous hiking.

I was stranded at the summit this winter in a three day storm. I almost didn't make it. My family doctor tells me that the only reason I survived that much exposure was a high general level of fitness. I did (can't for now until my frostbite amputations heal!) a balance of aerobic and anerobic exercises. Three times a week I ran 2.5 Mi. to a gym and did a combination of upper and lower body exercises and then ran back. Who knows which contributed most to my survival? It doesn't matter to me, I feel great doing both. Probably the anerobic helps with backpacking, ie. carrying the weight, and the aerobic with endurance. I'm 63 years old and will continue vigorous exercises as long as I can.

Overall fitness is certainly good, including good upper body strength; it helps in maintaining balance as you hike, among many other things, with minimum effort. But beware excess mass! You don't need bulging pecs or biceps to be a good hiker/backpacker, and you may reach the point where the effort of swinging those tree trunk arms and hauling all that meat up the hill takes more effort than they're worth. If you do upper body training, I'd suggest lighter weights and high reps. Being able to do a good number of chinups can also be a benefit in those little unexpected off-trail adventures!

At the very least, working out the "core" muscles (abs, back, etc.) can make a big difference. (I should follow my own advice, since I do situps every February 29...)

L