Originally Posted by
Garfield Cat
Running is not your only alternative to weight lifting. Hiking will be easier on the joints and still give you some cardio benefits too.
I am a gym rat, a cyclist, and a serious hiker ... and a (very
) former runner. My most recent hike was the "hike across Delaware", and before that, I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (early October).
I would definitely agree that hiking is a great alternative to running and far less stress on the joints.
I don't think it's as good an exercise as running, though to me, it's altogether more enjoyable.
One important consideration: If you're doing mountain hiking, coming downhill can be hell on the knees. After doing tons of squats (lower-weight / higher-reps), I managed to rebuild the bone and cartilage in my knees to the point that I went from dreading downhills to having no pain at all.
Originally Posted by
zazenzach
running is NOT an alternative to weight lifting. they're two different things.
I agree.
Originally Posted by
zazenzach
thats why I do all three. i go to the gym every other day. between those days i run for an hour outside. and I commute everywhere by bicycle
Same (almost) here: Gym, hiking and biking. Each activity definitely helps my performance in the other.