Do you carry your child in a backpack? Are you overwhelmed with feelings dread when you find yourself in a series of switchbacks? Do you need to stop frequently to catch your breath? With a little practice, you can use the rest step to slow down the pace while comfortably gaining elevation without stopping.
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The Rest Step:
The rest step is a technique used in hiking and mountaineering to moderate the demand on your legs and lungs as you climb a steep slope. It is especially useful when you are carrying a heavy pack. As you step forward, pause for a moment and allow your weight to balance on your fully extended downhill leg.
Balance:
This balancing act allows your uphill leg muscle a momentary rest. As you do this, you should minimize the energy required to maintain balance with your downhill leg by keeping your knee locked. At this moment, use as little muscle as possible. Take a deep breath and exhale as you step forward. Repeat the process.
Finding the Rhythm:
Depending on the level of exertion, you might pause for one breath, two, or more. The key is to find a rhythm that keeps you at your target heart rate, but allows you to move forward at a steady pace. Balancing your full weight on your skeletal system and allowing your muscles a momentary rest in between steps will significantly improve your ability to climb uphill with a heavy pack.