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How to Fix a Side Stitch While Hiking
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.
Make sure your stomach isn’t full or that you’re not bogged down by digestion. The old “wait an hour before you exercise after eating a meal” rule applies here. If you eat water-rich foods like vegetables and fruits, you should have little problem exercising shortly thereafter – but if you have something heavier, you might run a bigger risk of having a side stitch when you go 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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Hiking at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon, to many, is the grand-daddy of all the possible sights to see in the world, the most intriguing visual challenge to conquer. To locals in Arizona, it may more simply be a great place to hike, but the Grand Canyon continues to be one of the top-rated spots to backpack and adventure, even for beginning hikers. Here is a brief guide to hiking at one of the world’s most famous hiking spots.
1. You are responsible for your safety.
The Grand Canyon, though national park land, doesn’t exactly have lifeguards posted at every turn to make sure that hikers have a good time and stay safe. Rather, hiking is an “at your own risk” type of situation, which is what experienced hikers should be used to – but something that all hikers should prepare for.
What’s included in your safety? Having enough supplies for you and yours, having an accurate forecast of the weather, and knowing where you’re starting and where you plan on going. You’ll also want to have an idea of the local environment, including critters to expect along the way, just to cut down on the unexpected things you might come across.2. Choose your hike wisely.
There’s no single “one” Grand Canyon hike, there are many to choose from, and if you’re a beginning hiker you’ll want to choose the easier ones. The views are the same whether you’re a beginning or experienced hiker, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get to explore more on your own the first time; just try to choose a hike that is appropriate to your skill level. It’s possible to challenge yourself without putting yourself out of your element, and if you’re going to be responsible for your safety, it falls on you to choose the right hike.
3. Don’t carry so much.
It’s tempting to take your whole car with you on a hike, packing up your backpack full of plenty of convenient – and heavy – items. Don’t do this, as a heavy backpack is one of the quickest ways to spoil a hike; you don’t want to be crawling to the finish line. Instead, pack as light as possible, including necessary elements like water, and spare what you can afford to spare.
All in all, you’ll find it easy to enjoy the Grand Canyon; hiking it is more a matter of understanding your limits and not trying too hard to challenge yourself. You’ll find that once you’re actually there, the magic of the Grand Canyon will take over and you’ll feel you’ve been hiking all your life.
Photo Credits: The Javelina
