Middle aged and overweight - can I hike

Old Apr 27th, 2017, 07:55 AM
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Middle aged and overweight - can I hike

I plan to travel the Southwest this summer and would love to see some of the beauty of Colorado, Arizona, and most of all - Utah. The problem, I'm a good 75 pounds overweight and 50 years old. I'm a non-smoker and can get around relatively well, but nothing in comparison to the people I keep seeing in photos - who all look like fitness models.

I will be traveling with a friend, who is in about the same shape as I am. So I am asking you expert travelers - can two overweight middle aged women hike or raft? Or should we just look for scenic drives? (We are going in one month, so losing weight isn't an option)

Thanks!
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 08:18 AM
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*** How much can you do at home? You won't be able to do any more in these states and perhaps less.***

If you are coming from sea level, add altitude issues on top of everything else.

Ask your doctor.

There are lots of ways to see scenic routes and views without hiking. As to rafting...that depends. I'd look at specific companies and see what their requirements are for rafting. A float might be better for you than an actual rafting with rapids.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 08:21 AM
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The short answer is absolutely yes, just be reasonable in your goals. Scenic drives are OK for what they are, but I'm glad to hear you want to get out.

Depending on what photos you are looking at, they might be fitness models. A Patagonia or Athleta catalog are not necessarily representative of the real people you see on a trail or in the gym!
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 08:49 AM
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Start a walking program now! You will be amazed how much better shape you'll be in by one month from now. Then, keep it up to improve your overall health. There are always a variety of choices for hikes in National Parks. So choose wisely and you will have a good ezperience.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 09:14 AM
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I understand where you are coming from. I started an exercise program and weight loss before we went on a vacation where I wanted to do some hiking. I always take time off from the gym in the summer when I'm doing gardening. Last summer we went on a "walk", mostly flat, here in NH and I have decided it's just too hot for me in July. I would be concerned about southwest heat if you live in a cooler area. Also make sure you stay hydrated. I was surprised at how much water I should drink on a hike because I'm not much of a water drinker.

I enjoyed a Pink Jeep tour in Sedona. If you opt for a jeep tour, make sure you choose a trail with a little bit of offroading.

Also dress appropriately. When I didn't know any better I wore heavy jeans and tried to keep up with 3 teenage boys on a hike that was rated ok with children. Ha! I got so overheated that I let them do the long loop by themselves while I went back to the parking lot and laid on the ground in the shade. I seriously considered letting my 15 yo drive us home.

You will be in much better shape if as others pointed out, you start a walking program now.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 09:17 AM
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It is impossible to answer but IML did a pretty good job. The extra weight will affect you ability to move around and the altitude could be an added problem. Just have to go slow if you are at any of the higher elevations. Altitude sickness affects people in many different ways and is very unpredictable. Try to drink a reasonable of water - not gallons as some suggest.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 09:24 AM
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Middle aged has little to do with it, but over weight and out of shape do.

Agree starting a walking program now would help a lot and include hills or stairs.
You will also be dealing with altitude in Colorado which even makes the fit people short of breath.

I find hiking poles help a lot, especially on hills. Just give you a little extra push.

I hope you find some hikes you feel comfortable doing.
I don't think rafting will be a problem but be prepared to do some paddling.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 09:25 AM
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AT Zion, which is at the bottom of the canyon there should be a number of walks that you can do. You can walk along the canyon rims (Bryce, Grand). I probably would not walk down into those Canyons, since you have to walk back up.

If you go to the NPS websites for each park, they will have the current Park Newspaper online. If you look through those, they will rate trails as Easy, Moderate, etc.

Be sure to also check the park websites for news updates.

You can always start with Easy and then try a short Moderate one if it seems you are doing fine.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 11:24 AM
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First question, can you move the trip to late September? Arizona is going to be a furnace in summer. The heat will help you desiccate, but not in a healthy way. Southern Utah won't be a treat either. (I'm in Texas, where we laugh at dfrostnh's notion of summer heat in New Hampshah).

Second question what's the terrain like where you live? If there are places with hills and valleys around you, just start puttering around there.

Ultimately, this is a matter of just do it. If you're 5+ stone overweight now, you're carrying some pure excess that walking 1.5 to 2 miles/day will drop off to some degree by the time you take your trip, even if you keep the current trip plan. The notion that you cannot lose weight in the next month before your trip is a fallacy. You can. I can (I'm not Big Russ for being tall). And even if you don't, perhaps you can build up your tolerance for activity, which tends to be easier to do in a month than dropping the excess heft.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 11:35 AM
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PS you can definitely do the float trip from Moab on the Colorado..
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 12:12 PM
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<can two overweight middle aged women hike or raft?>

Yes.

You have one month. Start walking today. You don't need to attempt weight loss, but try to build up your endurance and stamina a little bit before your trip comes around.

>

Those people ARE models -haha- if you are talking about travel ads or vacation brochures
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 03:29 PM
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And bring a wide-brimmed sun hat!
Get out early in the day for your hikes, before the heat of the day. Plan a siesta or a bus ride or car trip for the mid-day and afternoon.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 04:23 PM
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Good advice from kmarie. Hiking poles can help, especially on uphills and to take some pressure off the knees on downhills. Give them a try before you go, if you can. Break in some good walking shoes.

In the desert be sure to have some coolers in the car with at least a gallon jug of water. (For carrying on day hikes I like the hip belts that carry two water bottles) since they are easy to reach and don't strain your shoulders. Hiking outside is not the same as working out on a treadmill or jumping around in a gym with ready access to water and towels (and air conditioning). Just walk as fast as you can keep your breath and look for shady spots if you need to stop and catch your breath. Which is perfectly acceptable.

https://www.amazon.com/Lumbar-Waist-.../dp/B005BZ0DHO
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 04:50 PM
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Do this test.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...es.asp?id=1496
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 08:46 PM
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'The problem, I'm a good 75 pounds overweight and 50 years old".

Not sufficient information.
Better stat would be your height and actual weight?

bdurand has an excellent, excellent recommendation.

Basically, is this hike worth dying for?

Vaga

PS: Read site below. I've been on this hike twice. It is not strenuous, but moderate mostly on sandstone. Last 50 yards are uphill on sand.
http://www.inquisitr.com/833254/wave...system-blamed/

"St. George News reported that another group of hikers on Thursday morning first spotted the body of 69-year-old Patricia Wahli, leading to the discovery of 70-year-old Ulrich Wahli’s body some 250 yards away from hers.
The couple had received a hiking permit for Wednesday and are believed to have died on the trail that afternoon after attempting to make the hike in temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some media sources state that the temperatures could have been as high as 106 at the time they both died.
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 01:32 AM
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I am currently out of shape owing to health issues, but I know from experience that you can get a lot better in a month. Start with ten minutes out and ten minutes back and add time and terrain from there. Park at the far side of the parking lot and take the stairs instead of the escalator. Walk, walk, walk.

HOWEVER, I join those who worry about the summer temperatures and possibly the altitude. You can die in these areas in the summer. Unless you are a teacher or in another job where you can't get away at another time, I would strongly October.

Keep your skin covered (but not with jeans) and wear a hat. Even in October. Supportive shoes, not running shoes or "sports" shoes. Carry a small backpack with enough enough water and energy bars that one of you could survive overnight while your companion goes back to get help. Don't depend on your cell prone.
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 10:37 AM
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I suggest a wrist worn blood pressure and heart beat 'watch'

http://www.ebay.com/itm/L18-IP54-Blo...-/201576616222

Remember, when in a hot desert you don't necessarily become thirsty while totally dehydrated and then die on the trail. Discipline your self to drink at 30 minute, or less, intervals continuously.

I use Gatorade, without the sugar - or as much as I can remove.
There are other such products.

The famous energy drinks. Example below is Monster
: The caffeine content of most Monster Energy drinks is approximately 10 mg/oz (33.81 mg/100ml),[9][10] or 160 mg for a 16 oz can. The packaging usually contains a warning label advising consumers against drinking more than 48 oz per day (16 oz per day in Australia). Europe does not have these warning labels. The drinks are not recommended for pregnant women or people sensitive to caffeine.
The ingredients include carbonated water, sucrose, glucose, citric acid, natural flavors, taurine, sodium citrate, color added, panax ginseng root extract, L-carnitine, caffeine, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, niacinamide, sodium chloride, glucuronolactone, inositol, guarana seed extract, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sucralose, riboflavin, maltodextrin, and cyanocobalamin. "


Vaga
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 10:50 AM
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Caffeine is a diuretic - it is NOT good for hiking and not good for hydration during strenuous activity. So Vaga, WHY ARE YOU POSTING MONSTER ENERGY DRINK INFO?

I don't know what Gatorade with "removed" sugar is. Gatorade has the G2 line that has less sugar than the standard Gatorade. Drinks like VitaminWater and SoBe come in zero-calorie offerings. Propel has no calories.
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 12:04 PM
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>

It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Just pick the easier walking trails. Observe the good advice above about proper clothes, hat, staying hydrated. Take it at your own pace.

And start a walking program today. That is the single thing that will make this more successful. Because you can improve your fitness level in only one month's time with a little effort.
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 12:43 PM
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Unless you have other health issues you should be ok. Maybe you both won't be as fast but you should be able to hike at a comfortable pace.

I would find out what the weather predictions will be. Some areas in the SW are in the dessert and can get to 120 degrees im the shade in the sumer.
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