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Hiking training Anonymous
I went camping this past weekend. Hiked 4 miles in , elev gain of 3000 feet. Hiked 6 miles out (a loop).

My legs have recovered mostly, but I was wondering what time of cardio exercise I should be doing to build leg strength.

I already bike an hour a day, working on building up to two. That has really helped with the cardiovascular needs of hiking. But it wasn't my quadriceps that hurt, it was the sides of my lower legs, by the calf.

I figure running is probably a good start, but I hate the treadmill (I can tolerate the elliptical, though).

I'm pretty big. 270, 6'1 or so. I'm working to lose the weight.

Any suggestions?

tl:dr

What are good leg strengthening cardio exercises?
>> Anonymous
cardio doesn't build strength; it just conditions. For leg strength increase, do squats.

Or if you want to get good at hiking, hike more often. (I.e., set treadmill to a high incline). As for the side leg soreness, I am pretty sure that is from your ankle supporting your feet on uneven surfaces (like stepping over rocks 'n' such). Can't replicate that in a gym. Sorry =(
>> Anonymous
>>34983

well, I'm not looking to have really cut legs. It's be nice, eventually, but for right now I'd like to know that I can handle really rough grades rather than look good in shorts. And I know higher reps with lower weight increases strength, but I've also heard that you shouldn't start a weight regiment until you've lost 50% of the weight you hope to lose. That'll be a while for me.

Is there anyway to get that kind of incline in a gym other than a treadmill? I'm trying to care for my knees as much as I can because I know I already put them through a pounding being overweight.
>> Anonymous
bump
>> Anonymous
no more suggestions?
>> Anonymous
>>34993
higher weight with lower reps is for strength.

also, whoever told you about that 50% bullshit lied to you/doesn't know shit. lift weights, it'll greatly help you lose the weight
>> Anonymous
>>35038

I meant to say endurance. Higher reps with low weight is for endurance, which is what I'm leaning towards.

And I can't remember where I heard that. I know muscle helps burn fat. I guess their logic was "if you want to be 180, building muscle will prevent you from reaching that number since muscle weights more than fat."

I'm not trying to chase a number. I'm after body image, whether that be looking good at 180 or 200.
>> Anonymous
The muscle that was hurting was most likely your soleus, a small but very functional muscle inbetween your calf. Any calf exercises will surely strength that.

For injury prevention try some of these exercises at the bottom

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/running-injury.html

It was designed for runners but strengthening your ankle and surrounding tissue is always a good idea.
>> Anonymous
>>35036

As I stated, I'm trying to protect my knees. Ie low impact is preferred.
>> Anonymous
>>35044

Awesome! Thanks.
>> Anonymous
walking is not an exercise