[pct-l] Leg Exercises, etc.

[Ellen Shopes]

Weight training can be a valuable addition to other exercise to get ready to 
hike.  As many have already mentioned, probably the best training to hike is 
hiking...put on your pack and walk as much as you can.  Any other aerobic 
exercise works as well.
Weight training should not be very heavy to train for hiking.  The goal is 
not to build bulk, but to build strength, or strengthen weak areas.  For 
example, I have a back that gives out sometimes, and knees that have taken a 
lifetime of abuse.  In the gym, I have sets that I do to work on these 
areas.  If your looking for general leg strength, you should use relatively 
light weight and go for lots of reps (leg presses, for example, are done 
with the weight you'll be carrying...150 pound man plus 35 pound pack=185 
pound presses).  Don't go into a deep knee bend (you don't need that ability 
hiking usually and it just stresses the knees).  And do LOTS of reps 
(100-200).
A good trainer will understand these principles and design your program if 
he/she knows anything about hiking.
Hope this helps.
Ellen