Treadmill with a pack on

JessyJ03

Hi all. My trainer recommended using a backpack with weights in it while walking on the treadmill. How do I enter this into my calories burned? Should I enter my weight+pack weight on the machine when I enter there? Or should I just let it go and use my normal weight?

Thanks for the help
Jessy

JessyJ03

bump

raystark

I will be interested in reading the responses to this. I do a six to seven mile trail hike before work each morning and was wondering just a while ago if there would be any benefit to wearing a pack with a 25lb weight plate in it while hiking.

JessyJ03

I believe if you enter your calories here as hiking with backpack on there are some options for various weights which effect your calories burned.

ninerbuff

While you may burn more calories because of weight, you could be just as effective just walking "up" on the treadmill without the extra weight to put more pressure on your spine and joints. Just don't hold on and if it's too easy increase the incline or speed.

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bsharrah

I would either increase the incline if possible or wear a weighted vest. A weighted back pack just sounds like a bad idea. I would think it would increase the chances of injury and cause long term issues with your back and shoulders. Based on that recommendation alone, I would consider a different trainer. Just my opinion though.

raystark

I believe if you enter your calories here as hiking with backpack on there are some options for various weights which effect your calories burned.

Hmm...will look into that. Thanks.

LaurySch

A while back I looked into getting weights to wear on my ankles and wrists while running to see if that would increase my calorie burn or help get my muscles toned while doing cardio. Basically everything I found said that the research doesn't support putting more weight on yourself - why would you? You are doing the exercise to take the strain OFF of your body (joints, heart, etc). And there is no muscle building value either. I'd agree with ninerbuff and just increase incline and/or speed.

gramacanada

I've been a back-packer, hiker all my life, I'd say make sure your pack fits you properly. Snug it up fairly high on your back. About the only real benefit you'll get is some back strength, (not a bad thing) as long as you stand up straight while you walk. As far as I know it won't make a real difference carrying 25 pounds, for the length of your workout. I wouldn't start with that much weight either. Build up to it slowly. Anything I have ever read says, never carry more than a third of the body weight you are 'supposed' to be. This has been what I have experienced. may be different for others.

JessyJ03

I've been a back-packer, hiker all my life, I'd say make sure your pack fits you properly. Snug it up fairly high on your back. About the only real benefit you'll get is some back strength, (not a bad thing) as long as you stand up straight while you walk. As far as I know it won't make a real difference carrying 25 pounds, for the length of your workout. I wouldn't start with that much weight either. Build up to it slowly. Anything I have ever read says, never carry more than a third of the body weight you are 'supposed' to be. This has been what I have experienced. may be different for others.

I also hike often and carry around a 20-25lb pack during the season.

I do go up on the treadmill. My incline ranges from 5.0 up to 10.0 but I don't stay at the 10 for very long.