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Add Comfort To Hiking With Yoga And Interval Training

Fitness, Yoga

Add Comfort To Hiking With Yoga And Interval Training

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hiking comfort with yoga and interval training

Walking is the primary activity we do as humans. No wonder why so many people find hiking amusing as well as healthy. But, many of us refrain from it, or might just go for shorter hikes for the sole reason of fatigue and breathlessness. Some even complain about knee and back pains.

Now, I don’t believe one must detract enjoyment for this. Instead one should step up to the challenge, and work towards a fitter self, so you have more time for yourself, and chilling out.

With the advance of hiking season, we bring you tips and tricks to make your next hike more memorable and enjoyable. Go grab your hiking backpack!!

Contents

How Yoga helps in Hiking?

There is a reason why hiking and yoga retreats are so in business. They form an attractive couple. A cleansing vacation. A great workout along with the breathtaking views.

  1. Posture is important: You know that already right?! So, why not do some stretching yoga poses like Sun Salutations that can prepare your muscles and give you a balanced, stable posture all through the hike. Also, yoga is a great calisthenic workout, where you develop an athletic built perfect for hiking.
  2. Twist in Treadmill: Next time you step on your treadmill, gradually increase the angle of inclination and walk slow with knees bent like a monkey walking on two feet. This way you strengthen and prep your lower body for the hike. Not only will you maintain a neutral spine, your core trunk muscles will engage in workout too. (Read: Incline Training)
  3. Balance is of utmost importance: No, you don’t lose it with age. Its a myth. And even if you have lost the center of your weight, regain it by standing on one feet for 5-15 minutes each day. You can try Tree Pose, while you practice breath work through Pranayama. Professional hikers practice balancing on trampoline. Now, that’s something!
  4. Break the breathlessness routine: Getting up at high altitudes and losing breath, that’s probably the worst thing that can happen to you while hiking. So, train and strengthen your lungs with Pranayama, and be your best self.

Apart from these, speed is a very important factor in hiking. No one wants to be left behind. The best thing you can do to improve your speed is, get in “Interval Training.”

Interval training will help you hike better in ways you cannot even imagine. During hiking, the terrain is sometimes favorable, while sometimes it can get really testing. So,….

How Interval Training helps in Hiking?

Interval training makes you work near to your Anaerobic Threshold (AT). As a result, not only your lungs, but your muscle get used to the pattern of stress hiking involves. Your endurance levels will be elevated. You’ll be out of breath. As a result, you hike better with every muscle cooperating, in every way.

However, one must never begin interval training without prior guidance, and also should never do it more than twice a week. You can begin with Aqua jogging intervals, and advance to treadmill, so you do not cramp your muscles.

  1. Interval training during Aqua jogging.
  2. Interval training during running: Run hard for 3 minutes (run like you are under zombie attack), and then take an active rest for another 3 minutes (brisk walk). Do 5 such reps each day.
  3. Interval training on stairs: Stairs are best when it come to practicing for a hike. Climb up two stairs at a time, and descend slow to perfect posture. Next time, keep it alternate: two steps left, two steps right then one step left and right, and repeat it five times.
  4. High Intensity Interval Training: You can make your workout even more intense (This is for those who always strive for perfection) by incorporating a HIIT session every week.

You can also go for Interval Yoga which is supposedly a fantastic cross between Interval Training and traditional Yoga.

So, what does your hiking checklist include now?! Let us know.
Last Updated: May 26, 2014

Next Scheduled Update: Jul 26, 2014

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