I Am Overweight And A Beginner Looking To Start Hiking For Fun And Fitness. Any Ideas On How To Get Started?
December 23rd, 2009 | 
Author:  |
I live in NE Georgia. Should I use poles? How do I buy a pack when I am really big?
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Posted in Fat Loss Diet Articles | 
Tags: Beginner, fitness, Hiking, Ideas, Looking, Overweight, Start, Started
5 Responses to “I Am Overweight And A Beginner Looking To Start Hiking For Fun And Fitness. Any Ideas On How To Get Started?”
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It might help us answer if we had a little more info….
Do you walk a lot, already? If you haven’t been taking walks on a regular basis, I would first begin a walking regime and try to condition your muscles/heart/lungs by just walking down the road before you try hiking.
If you do walk a lot, what kind of hiking are you interested in doing? Are you going to be back-packing to a place where you plan on camping, or are you just going to go on ‘day’ hikes with maybe a small pack carrying a picnic lunch and extra socks and a jacket, etc. About buying a pack, go to a sporting goods store if you can and ask the sales clerks to advise you. Tell them what you want to use it for and your concerns about finding one that will fit you- don’t be embarrassed- you’re doing a great thing for yourself by looking after your health and getting to spend time hiking- which is one of my favorite hobbies!
What kind of terrain are you planning on hiking on? I’ve sometimes used poles when hiking, but mostly for hilly areas where you’re climbing up and down a lot. Be sure you have good hiking shoes or boots. (You don’t have to get boots- some hiking shoes are much more comfortable and lighter so you can hike farther with less exertion.) Bring at least one extra pair of socks with you, and if possible, another pair of shoes/sandals/or whatever to give your feet a rest from the hiking shoes/boots when you’re taking a break from the trail. Always plan for the worst conditions you might encounter on the trail, bringing plenty of water, food and an extra warm clothing layer like a jacket or sweater, a rain poncho, and a small first aid kit. I also carry a knife when I’m hiking- you never know when it will come in handy, even if it’s just to open a can because you forgot to bring a can-opener! (I’ve carried the same heavy-duty Buck knife for over 30 years and it has opened more than one can!) A small GPS unit can be really helpful, too!
I hope this gives you some ideas on how to get started!
Good luck & happy trails!
Great idea! Get some good hiking boots, much better than shoes because they offer support and prevent serious ankle injuries.
For your pack, go to a store that has knowledgeable staff, and have them assist you in finding one that’s the perfect fit for you.
Poles may help, maybe you could borrow a pair to see if you like them. I personally would not use them.
Get a backroads map, or trail guide. Ask at outdoor stores, or go to the public library and photcopy. Or use a gps, but that is not necessary.
Have fun getting in shape.
Identify the hiking organizations in your area and attend some of their meetings. Use your own judgement about how suitable they are. Most hiking clubs have trip leaders and trip rating systems (easy, moderate, hard, impossible). Stick to easy trips to start with and talk to the trip leader before going on a trip.
Unless you’re really antisocial, you’ll enjoy your outings more when with other likeminded people.
Good idea. Get a physician’s okay first. Research trails in your area. If you’re pretty heavy, you might have trouble navigating rough ones, so see what’s out there for beginners first,and work your way up as you get more fit.
Learn how to use a compass or GPS unit so you won’t get lost.
Never go alone. Find a budy to go with you into the woods. That way if one is hurt, the other can get help. Maybe there is a hiking/camping club in your area?
Go to a camping/hiking/outdoor store and ask to be fitted for a pack. Get a pair of really good boots, too…don’t skimp on money here, as you can’t do much hiking with blisters and sore feet. Get good ankle support, and good socks, too.
Take plenty of socks. Take a first aid kit with moleskin for blisters. You cut it to the size you need and stick it right on.
Sleep in different clothes than you hike in. If you’re carrying in everything, start with short day hikes carrying all your gear to get used to the weight. Work your way up to longer trips.
What fun! I wish I lived nearby to go with you!
Hey, Beth! Fancy meeting you here!
Like the song says –Start Walking– look at the ground and your boots(walking sneakers) and say -start walking ,these boots are made for walking and they gonna walk all over you-A pole or poles are sometimes a help,you may find yourself liking only one pole ,less clumsy.Pack sacks are a choice and only you can choose ,there are so many and like music & food no one can choose for U. There are the overnight ones especally good for trail travel and can carry a variety of things and the tear drop shape ones which make it easy to travel in wooded bush areas if you so like without hooking up in trees or bush. Start small until you realize your limits which will grow as you progress,be careful,be happy, be smart.