How to Fix a Side Stitch While Hiking

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

People aren’t exactly sure what causes the side stitch, but there’s no doubt that it results from physical activity. When you’re out hiking and taking on a tough hill, the last thing you want is a side stitch hampering your ability to exercise. But if you want to be rid of it, you’ll have to address it. In this article, you’ll find some quick tips and techniques that can help you slow down your side stitch when you’re out on the hiking trail.

Work on your breathing. Since the shorter breathing of exercise can often bring about a side stitch, try to work on breathing in deeply. It might be a little painful at first, but eventually you should notice that it relaxes the stitch and you’ll have greater mobility after a little while. Try to keep your breathing fairly consistent in order to keep the side stitch away as you continue hiking.

Prevention. When you’re in good shape, you’ll notice that it’s hard to get a side stitch – this is because your body has adapted to the exercise and generally finds it easier, which means less shallow breathing as you work out. When you’re out of shape and you go hiking, your breathing is more likely to be short, which can help cause a side stitch. In order to prevent a side stitch, you’ll have to get through this “beginner’s” period and simply improve your basic core strength and cardiovascular capabilities.

Stop and take a break. You’re under no obligation to keep going through a side stitch – if you want to complete your hike, go ahead and complete it after you’ve had a restful break and feel a second wind coming on. You don’t have to power through every problem you have. The adage “no pain, no gain” doesn’t always apply – it’s just a general rule that means you’ll have to encounter resistance if you want to grow your physical strength and fitness.

Photo Credits: justicho

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The Pros and Cons of Family Hiking

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

You’re out there on the trails, enjoying the feeling of an early-morning breeze and wondering why you don’t get out more often. When you look back to see the companion(s) you’ve brought with you, what do you see?

If you pictured a friend or a spouse, you may not have thought about how fun it could be to take your entire family hiking. And if you imagined your entire family – spouse, kids, and all – with you, you might have what it takes to be a great family hiker. But should you always bring your family with you on a hike? Here are some pro’s and con’s to help you consider the possibility.

Pros

• Exercise for the entire family – If you can get your kids hooked to physical activity at an early enough age, you won’t have to worry as much about their health and fitness. NOt only is exercising good for you, it’s good for the entire family, and promotes a sense of bonding that you can’t get at home watching television on two separate TV sets. Exercising is good, clean, honest fun – and it’s good for you, too.
• Teaching basic skills – the more hardcore family hikers will be able to relate certain skills to their children – survival skills and principles, the right mental attitude for tackling obstacles, and when they get older, even medical skills. Of course, in order to teach these skills, you have to know them yourself – why not making your childrens’ education a great excuse?

Cons

• Loss of solidarity – If you have a busy job that takes a lot out of you, sometimes a jaunt through the woods is exactly what the doctor ordered. As long as it’s alone. Some people simply need to get away, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing: if you arrive back home re-energized and in a better mood, it will have been worth it. Sometimes you deserve to treat yourself to a good exercise session.
• Whining! Let’s face it: kids aren’t always angels. And when you’re trying to enjoy a camping trip, having two teenagers whine at you isn’t exactly what you envisioned. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you don’t force anyone into doing something they’re violently opposed to.

For many people, the positives of family hiking will far outweigh the negatives. For others, the negatives will outweigh the positives. Ask yourself what kind of experience seems most appealing to you.

Republished by Old Post Promoter