Fitness

[greenhouse]

I have been reading a lot on this site. Lots of interesting and informative data to digest.

I got to thinking, amid other things, about physicall fitness. I am no means the most buff of guys, but my work keeps me active on a daily basis. I don't run marathons, but I walk daily up to a couple miles with all the duties I perform.
But I am thinking that I am not as fit as I should be right now. With all to ponder, I think that for some of us, preparing for what could happen is fine and dandy, but if you are not physically able to "keep up" what good is it to be only prepared in other ways.

I don't mean to offend, but I picture some folks in an end-of-the-world situation, being prepared in many ways with food, water, and equipment, but having to bug out and hump it by foot for several days. I picture some of these folks dropping like flies along the trail, too exhausted physically to endure the trip. I think many among the masses are "couch" prepared, they got it all in place, the stuff, but they lack the ability to put all those preparations it into physical action.

I imagine that a lot among us here have endured some physical exercises, you camp, you hike, you play physical sports, run, work-out, lift weights, etc. Have you ever carried a ruck sack with 25-50 pounds of your stuff on your back for 5 miles in one day? Sure, some can go out and run for a few miles, tearing up the road. But what if you trade in the running shoes and cushy socks and water bottle for some boots that will get you thru the woods and across the creek, and be in good condition to do it for weeks on end?

I am scared, scared that I am not physically ready for a SHTF situation. So tomorrow I start, walking, lifting some weights, doing some sit and push-ups, eating for better health, and practicing with some real gear. I will be taking some walks with a pack, stepping not just onto the sidewalk, but thru the woods, and I will be wearing those boots that will last beyond the life of a pair of running shoes.

Regards
greenhouse

[Zombie Axe]

Good post GH :)

Yes getting into physical shape is a big and very important prep.

I walk 3 miles a day (plus whatever my job requires) on my lunch break usually up to 4 days but often 5 days a week.

According to my Garmin Forerunner I walk between 4.1 and 4.5 miles an hour. Under a load (BOB weight) I slow down to 3 .1 to 3.5 miles an hour :(

The one thing that has added some serious cardio to my walking is do what is called nordic walking http://nordicwalkingonline.com/ Now I can add a upper body conditioning to my walk :)

BTW you can pick up those poles @ your local Dick's sporting goods for about $40 a pair. The brand I got was Leki :)

This nordic walking simulates cross country skiing so it really adds to the whole walking thing...

As a added plus these walking sticks can compliment your BOB to make shelters and carry a load easier...

Once you try it, you will crave it :)

[Brosia]

I am definitely not ready physically for a SHTF situation.

I should lose 30 pounds, my asthma is almost out of control.

Getting myself physically fit was the first preparation I started.. and one I'm currently failing miserably at. :o

[greenhouse]

thanks for the info ZA

thanks to you too, Brosia. Start slow, just keep at it.

I will look into the Nordic method. I get a good work-out on my legs most every day, the extra pounding on my knees with more walking will not be good, if I am only walking. The extra work-out with the upper body, will make the time spent more worth while.

But my wife has an elliptical machine, gym quality machine. It is very low impact on the knees, and it works the arms too. I like the idea of the low impact, my knees are slowly wearing out, lots of basketball, much on pavement. I want to keep them in as best condition as I can, and still be able to work out.

Regards
greenhouse

[xcountryswimmer]

GH, I completely agree!! I have posted about this topic before and I feel that physical fitness is not given as much attention as it should. I am a certified strength and conditioning coach (CSCS through the National Strength & Conditioning Association) and if anyone has any questions about fitness and getting back in shape, I would be more than happy to answer them. A word of caution...magazines like Men's Health and Women's Health are not where the buck stops and are often scientifically inaccurate.

Happy Trails,
xcs

[mountainman28713]

greenhouse,

I work a job that does not allow for physical fitness and does not promote it at all, it is ironic because this job is working on an ambulance, treating the sick and dying. My employer sees it as a liability to improve employees health and wellness. We used to have weights and a nice treadmill. We went on a three day weekend and came back and it was all gone and no one in management would tell us what happened. we few that would use it were now victims of the chain smoking-soda guzzling-donut demolishing fatties. When the weights were not being used properly, the "fatties" would use the bench as a smoking post and cup holder. Our job has a no smoking policy, but since the director chain smokes, the people that do not smoke just have to breath second hand smoke and hear the cat calls of the "fatties". Guess they will be left behind when The poo flies.