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Training to carry packs

  • 27-11-2011 03:55PM
    #1
    Poccington
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,497 ✭✭✭


    Due to a recent course in work that involved carrying packs of 90lbs and more, I noticed after a few rather pain filled weeks that I need to make a change in terms of training.

    Now, we've always been told that the best way to train for carrying weight is to carry weight. In terms of training to assist it though, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to be doing. A lot of PTI's in the Defence Forces treat it as something of a running club, with some circuits thrown in the mix so you'd usually get the same stock answers from them.

    Would folks here suggest anything bar time with a pack on? Or the kind of workouts I should be looking at doing? Also, hanging at roughly 70kg, I think I may be too light for the weight I tend to carry. Is there anything to suggest a bigger build would help with heavier loads?


Comments

  • #2
    Remmy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭Remmy


    I messed around with 'rucking' as the yanks called it a handfull of times last year. I was just doing it to improve conditioning and not for any army related training. I looked up various things about the parachute regiment and how they build up to tabbing with big weights. The consensus seems to be that after the first mile it is hell on your shins/back regardless of how much you train for it and it's more about sticking it out. I only ever worked up to 40kg for a mile or two at a time and that was bad enough.

    Apart from looking at online stuff about how different armed services prepare look at this guys log. He mentions a few times through it about building up weight and ruck times.

    http://tnation.t-nation.com/free_online_forum/blog_sports_body_training_performance_bodybuilding_log/alphas_work_ii

    Hope that helps.


  • #3
    The Guvnor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,800 ✭✭✭The Guvnor


    At 155lbs the 90lbs pack plus the uniform/boots & Gun could mean you are adding what 100-110lbs to your frame which is a hell of a lot.

    Now a bigger/heavier man may do better but only if he is in shape. A 210lb man who is very fit aerobically and has a higher level of strength should in theory do better however as all of the training is very much long endurance work I would suggest that maybe the lighter man may do better over the longer distance.

    If you are currently fit then you are in a good place. The 90lb pack is for training purposes only? In combat what would a pack weigh?

    Making sure the pack is on you in the most comfortable and sensible place will also help.

    How long are you suffering with the pack on?

    I don't really know what you can do in training to replicate the effect of a 90lb pack.

    Some good leg and back exercises like squats and deadlifts will help with your strength.

    Can you refuel on the training runs?

    What is in the pack out of interest.

    Maybe health and safety could go in and do a risk assessment of the training exercises?!?:D


  • #4
    Poccington
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,497 ✭✭✭Poccington


    The Guvnor wrote: »
    Now a bigger/heavier man may do better but only if he is in shape. A 210lb man who is very fit aerobically and has a higher level of strength should in theory do better however as all of the training is very much long endurance work I would suggest that maybe the lighter man may do better over the longer distance.

    It always seems to be the bigger lads who can handle the weight better. They're like pack mules, the swines.
    If you are currently fit then you are in a good place. The 90lb pack is for training purposes only? In combat what would a pack weigh?

    Roughly the same for the job I'm doing. The 90lbs doesn't include my rifle and battlevest, which would add probably about another 30lbs.
    How long are you suffering with the pack on?

    Our longest walk on the course took roughly 6 hours. I'd imagine further on I'll be doing stuff that will require even longer walks.
    Some good leg and back exercises like squats and deadlifts will help with your strength.

    Yeah, I think I'm just trying to find out if I'd be better off going for just plain conditioning work, strength work or a mix of both.
    Can you refuel on the training runs?

    What is in the pack out of interest.

    Yeah you can, mostly on the move.

    Radio's, spare ammunition, rations, NVE, spare batteries, spare clothing, water... All manner of ****e. :pac:


  • #5
    Barry.Oglesby
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,917 ✭✭✭Barry.Oglesby


    I would say be stronger generally and then just get used to carrying the pack more. There's nothing specific you're going to be able to do in the gym that's going to recreate that. I would say you should be able to tell us how best to get used to hauling the pack and gear around, not the other way round.


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