Thread: running with a weighted backpack

Well I fractured my wrist last week riding BMX at my local skatepark, so that's put my weight training on halt for at least 6 or 7 weeks. Instead of just sitting around doing nothing I thought maybe i could focus on conditioning a little bit since I can't lift weights.

What do you think about jogging with a weighted backpack (eg. full of weight plates) like the military training that soldiers have to do? Would it cause any progressive damage to the back or joints?

i remember running to and from school with 70lbs of books in backpack.. ow backpain, but i also had a crappy bed back then so not sure which caused more pain lol

does anyone know if this type of training is beneficial? Like maybe as a way to mix things up from regular jogging/HIIT.

If you like back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain, go for it.

Originally Posted by Mikay

i remember running to and from school with 70lbs of books in backpack.. ow backpain, but i also had a crappy bed back then so not sure which caused more pain lol

70 lbs? I don't believe it. Most backpacks can't even hold that much.

I used to jog with a backpack with about 30lbs of weight plates in it. Not really sure if it helped as I would just do it occasionally. I thought about the mechanics of it, but then someone reminded me that people in the armed forces run with weighted packs, so I figured it couldn't be that bad. I didn't experience any pain from it.

If your running form is AT ALL bad, you will do damage. I train hard with weighted backpacks myself, but on steep uphill trails, and because it is sport-specific training for me. Just because the military does it, doesn't make it sensible. In fact I could suggest that there's another reason NOT to do it. Ever hear how they developed the first diving tables for SCUBA?

What sport is running up a hill with a backpack specific to advsport?

Sorry about the wrist. In general, heavy backpacks are for hiking, not running. I'd be careful- you could possibly end up with back injury in addition to your wrist. Probably no mt.'s near you but that would be great if you could hike steep slopes.

Isn't there equipment at the gym that you could use where you don't have to use your wrists (elbows, ab.s, instead for ex.)? I know most body builders don't like machines much, but hey, better than nothing.

Why not consider becoming a runner for the next seven weeks? Build endurance.

I have tendonitis in the knees right now so I know the feeling. Can't do what I love. Good luck.

hahaha i have a fwe friends in the marines... they run with weighted back packs not becuase its better to train with. they run with weighted back packs becuase when the marines are assigned to places like bagdad they run about 8 miles behind tanks with the backpacks full of supplies/water/gernades/first aid bandades/ cmon like books. but as far as running with weights try to make it as comfortable as possible. My friend danny is in the navy he uses a regular back pack filled with sand. its not hard like weights but its heavy as crap probably about 45 lbs weighs u down a bit.

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess I'll just stick with jogging and HIIT for awhile seens as theres no question about how beneficial they are.