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!

*** 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PS you can definitely do the float trip from Moab on the Colorado..

<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.

<<people I keep seeing in photos - who all look like fitness models>>

Those people ARE models -haha- if you are talking about travel ads or vacation brochures
:-)

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.

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

Do this test.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...es.asp?id=1496

'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.

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.

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

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.

<<can two overweight middle aged women hike or raft? Or should we just look for scenic drives?>>

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.

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.

" can get around relatively well"

What exactly does that mean -- you can walk from your car to a store, walk around the mall or what?

What about your friend?

The southwest is beautiful but it can also be very deceptive. With almost no humidity, you don't sweat - well, you do but it evaporates instantly so you don't feel it. And the sun can be relentless.

Along with altitude, dehydration and sunburn are real concerns. Wear sunscreen, a hat with a brim, use chapstick. Bring lots of water and as mentioned above, non-perishable granola/protein bars. You just never know... being prepared is half the battle.

LOTS of water, and drink even if you aren't thirsty. Urine output should be light straw color, if it's dark, you are dehydrated.

As far as how far you can hike, remember, hiking isn't walking on a flat sidewalk. There are inclines/declines; may not be much if any shade; not paved so you have to scramble over things like rocks etc.

Use your head; you'll know soon enough if you can or can't.

It's beautiful here, so whatever you do, enjoy it.

Big Russ = Postied it, with detail, to inform people that these Energy drinks are useless and dangerous. That is why I including the disgusting evil chemical content.
Apparently people thought I was recommending it - My mistake. They should be avoided/discarded.

I use powdered Gatorade and let the sugar settle to the bottom and toss it out. I also use Vitamin Water and SoBe. Propel has no calories - will have to explore this one. Ditto with G-2 (if in powdered form)

Vaga

More good advice from those with "real" experience vs. the gym rat contingent. BTW June is different than July & August. Hope you are going as early in June as you can. There are other precautions needed in "monsoon season", although the general advice of doing your activity in the morning applies even more.

OP hasn't returned to comment; hopefully she at least read replies.

If she reads the comments to a simply question she will be scared to death. Granted people can have problems but it is not everyday. The article was four years old. The OP seems to have some assessment of her ability so assume a little common sense will also be used. And water is more than adequate for hydration. Don't need a bunch of fancy chemicals to work better.

Am always amazed how these discussion can run off on tangents.

<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).>

<advice from those with "real" experience vs. the gym rat contingent>


I don't know why someone keeps mentioning an indoor gym. No one is talking about exercising at a fitness club here.

But if the OP did exercise regularly at a fitness club, then she would be one step better prepared for the short, easy hikes on her trip.

She has probably decided on a beach vacation by now.

I sometimes travel with my parents who are in their 60s and 70s. They don't like like or want to hike and I just like to explore some. I can get them to do easy hikes so I look up what the parks call easy trails on their website, anything under 2 miles. My mom hates when I leave her behind but I don't push and she usually catches up to me. I think you will be fine. Always take water, a good sun hat and look at the easy trails. If you feel they are too easy you can always look up something a bit more intense.

Some people who have probably never been to the southwest, nor been on a hike, seem determined to give nonuseful advice about getting fit.

There is no indication that the OP had even asked about that. Just whether they could manage it.

I have never been to the southwest?

I have never been on a hike?

How interesting.

Yikes. Some of the comments...I hope the OP didn't change her trip to the beach but wouldn't blame her if she did.

If you can stay hydrated and you understand your limits, and you dress appropriately, that's all important. Weight and age are fairly minor factors. And I don't actually think walking every day is much help. I can walk all day, everyday. What gets me in trouble on the trails is incline and underestimating how tired I am. When I get tired, one of my ankles gets weaker- if I step wrong, I can easily fall and injure myself. So. I always keep in mind how far I've got to go UP while I'm going down.

And I am not petite. I've been all different weights. I can out hike people who are a lot skinnier than me. I've also been outhiked by a lady 30 years my senior. It's all about endurance and muscle and the ability to make sound judgements on what you can handle.

Oh, forgot to post what I actually meant to pot. You may want to consider hiking poles. I resisted the idea for years, but they help tremendously on uneven ground, and especially in terms of hiking downhill. I can go a lot further and I feel a lot safer when I've got those with me.

Yeah, they may have decided to go to Puerto Vallarta and sit by a pool.

Stirring the pot more....I am older than the OP by a bit (66 to her 50) but I am not overweight and I get a fair amount of exercise, including weights, long-distance walking (on a treadmill and outside), and hiking (anywhere from 5-15 miles). I think the OP will be seriously challenged trying to "hike" in the Southwest in summer. First, I think everyone, fit or not, would have problems with the heat. Second, I do think being 75 lbs. overweight is a big factor. Third, she's never hiked before, in fact, she doesn't even walk much.

At best, I think she and her traveling companion could manage some relatively short but flat walks. Even for that, I agree that hiking poles are a huge help.

Ditto sf7307. Most accurate assessment on this post. If one has to ask the question, one should not attempt and age has very little to do with it.

Set realistic goals, plan for frequent rests, and most importantly, don't make it a marathon, enjoy yourself.

If you have painful joints, bring medications like Ibuprofen and/or hiking poles.

Rides or tours make it easier.

Hey, people in wheelchairs travel.

I like the walking test dbdurand posted, which got lost above--so here it is again:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...es.asp?id=1496

Issues for an out-of-shape person, as I see them:
--don't overdo anything. No one is keeping score, so do what you can. You will see all sorts of people out "hiking", not just fitness models.
--see a doctor and ask about your plans.

I see age and weight as secondary. Lots of young people are in worse shape than you, lots of overweight people are strong and have great stamina.

Issues in the SW, as I see them, having lived in Arizona for two years:
--hydration
--sun exposure
--altitude
I took a friend in her 30's on a very easy hike in the Chiricahuas and she almost fainted, not from over exertion but from the heat and dryness, but she refused to drink enough water or wear a hat.
Ask your doctor for advice on these three factors, and follow it religiously.

Lastly, a word about "hiking": substitute the word "walking", because that's usually all it is. You won't be doing steep inclines, or technically challenging trails involving rocks or water crossings. Consult maps or ask park rangers and avoid those. The rest will be flat paths.

You won't go out for the entire day. You will go for short (1 mile or less) walks that you will do at your own pace, with your car nearby.

Now, ask yourself, does that sound like something we could do?

Thanks So much for all of the great advice! Nobody scared me off, I promise.

We are both classroom teachers, which isn't as sedentary as many people think. It does mean we have to travel in July because of our school calendar and other summer obligations.

Strangely enough, the heat isn't a major concern. We are traveling from West Texas, which gets up to 115 on our hottest days, but it has almost zero humidity and is the flattest landscape I have ever seen.

When I go to Hill Country I am always shocked by how little I can physically do compared to what I am capable of back home. I know it's a combination of the humidity and the terrain, but I'm not sure which is the biggest factor.

I can't say I ever get physically sore from walking/hiking, it's more a matter of running out of air. In humid conditions, I honesty feel like the air is heavy even when sitting.

Don't ask me why, but I honestly hadn't considered the elevation issues. I've hiked at Big Bend and the Davis Mountains, and did okay there but neither had narrow trails where I may feel that I am slowing other groups down.

Sounds to me like you will be totally fine, then! I find a dry heat way more tolerable, too, as long as you know to drink enough water and shade yourself.

So go for it, and let us know how it went!

Btw, we used to live in West Texas, too :-) It does indeed get hot!