Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: Backpack training for strength and conditioning
- Joel Pedersen | August 29, 2016
What was the highlight of your summer? The most memorable moment? Was there a point where you didn’t want the day to end, even with the amazing sunset that you knew was coming? Iam sure there were many days like these. It really was a great summer, a new record of Metis and First Nation athletes competing in the Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estavan. This is the route to national level and international level competitions, even to the Olympics! Which moves into the topic of the Summer Olympics in Brazil, so awesome to see Canadian women lead the way earning so many medals, and the top medal winner was 16-year-old swimmer!
This month glad to be back in LaRonge this time programming with Northlands College, preparing students for the PowerLine Technician training that will be starting in September. Three full weeks of Functional Fitness and leadership programming, this crew completed a rigorous three hours of fitness; then three hours of academic each day.
More from Fitness 2J2:
- Handstands are a hands down health benefit
- Why breakfast matters
- Rowing for fitness, strength, and endurance
Traveled out to CFB Wainwright Alberta, honoured to be a part of the ceremonial pipe ceremony, see the graduation parade of the summer BoldEagle course. The privilege to do some ruck-sack (back-backs) training with the 38 Brigade summer Infantry Soldier course in Saskatoon. These young men were from across Canada, some this was the farthest west they had ever travelled. It was good to see how they met the challenge of not giving up; and learning that even after an hour of moving with heavy loads that they could still do pushups when motivated.
If you are looking for a change in your aerobic fitness programming and would like to gain some strength along with endurance, consider trying out some ruck-sack training. Start off with a good sturdy back-pack, with a frame and a waist belt to assist with weight distribution.
Start off with approximate weight of 25-30lbs, don’t worry about kilometer distance at this point, with 30-60min walk, two to three times a week, if your comfortable with this you can add in a light shuffle, not a run, continue two-three times a week. As you progress you can start adding weight, time and then start looking at distances. Before you know it you will be 5km; 10km; 20km distances. Your cardiovascular strength and physical strength will improve; you will see a difference in yourself.
Looking forward to September, travelling to the La Loche community for a week of Functional Fitness Programming with the school, and developing future fitness leaders in the evening. Thanks to Northern Sport Culture and Recreation for partnering with 2J2 to bring programming to La Loche. Also 2J2 will be starting up self defense classes for women and youth in Saskatoon, along with Bootcamp and learn to run programming.
Fitness 2J2 is a socially responsible community based health and wellness company. Contributing to the success and vitality of our communities, promoting healthy and positive lifestyles for Aboriginal people of all ages and abilities. STRONG HEALTHY PROUD.