[pct-l] pct list <pct-l at backcountry.net>

[Sym Blanchard]

Still Lookin,

I am about 5/8 of the way done with the PCT, section-hiking because of my
job.  I did the first 350 miles with no hip belt and was okay except for
slightly sore shoulders.  The hip belt does feel more comfortable, but I
don't want to risk another crushed shoulder and broken ankle.

I do hit the gym about  6 times a week, so I will start incorporating more
light-weight high volume work on my neck, shoulders, and back.  Thanks!  I
do a lot of Swedish ball crunches and pulley work so my core is pretty
good.  I will be cranking up on the push-ups.

I like the idea of strengthening my body rather than just strapping on
additional equipment.  I agree that the third world countries have many
better hiking ideas than we do.  The porters on Kilimanjaro inspired me to
carry my extra water bladder on my head when I hiked across the desert.  It
works!

Symbiosis
_______________________________________________
On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 5:38 PM, Don Amundson <amrowinc at hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> Hi Sym,
>
> I have on occasion done the whole Ray Jardine thing and slung my pack over
> one shoulder.  It was an interesting experiment but I didn't find much
> advantage to it.  I'm going to have to check Jardine's book again for his
> rational regarding that.
> I used to do weight training with both free weights and machines.  This was
> high weight low volume stuff.  About 9 months ago I joined a body sculpting
> class which focuses light weight high volume work combined with cardio and
> lots of ab work.  I do this for one hour 3 to 4 times a week.  As part of
> the routine we mix up legs, arms, chest, neck and back exercices and usually
> do abs every workout.  Nothing fancy but consistent.  I try also to get in
> hikes and overnight backpack trips regularly.
> If you belong to a gym you of course have access to equipement.  If you
> don't a simple set of light weights would do combined with information
> available online regarding exercises that target the specific body areas.
> Are you planning to do the PCT?
>
> Don (Still Lookin)
>
>
> Subject: pct list <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> From: symbiosis222 at gmail.com
> To: amrowinc at hotmail.com
>
>
> Still Lookin,
>
> Do you ever switch the pack from one shoulder to the other?
>
> What types of exercises would you recommend to strengthen my back,
> shoulder, and neck muscles?
>
> Thanks!!
> _____________________________________________
> Message: 13
> Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:49:04 -0800
> From: Don Amundson <amrowinc at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Jardine and the Backpack Hip Belt
> To: pct list <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <SNT128-W7E1531BC3F4D848EA18DBCDD30 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>  When I got pack weight down to 25# max fully loaded I stopped using my hip
> belt and haven't looked back since. I hated having weight on my hips and
> often had neck and back pain. Interesting how people around the world who
> carry loads for survival or work get by without hipbelts. I have worked hard
> to strengthen my back, shoulder and neck muscles which certainly helps as
> does the fit of my pack and shoulder straps to my body. I have also stopped
> using my sternum strap. I know with some people their packs would fall off
> doing this but I never had that problem. Nor does my pack bounce around when
> I hike (no I don't run with it). I think it is worth a try.
> Still Lookin
>