Running with weights or a backpack harmful?

Question

I have been running in the mornings, and I have been doing very well, but I want to start wearing a backpack when I run soI can get used to running with 40 or more pounds on my back. I don't intend to start at 40 lbs, but my goal is to eventually be able to run proficiently with at least 60 lbs on my back. Ok, my question is: would this be harmful to my body (specifically, the joints) to do so?

Answer 1

Yes it would be very hard on your joints and your connective tissues. If you are doing it because you will be carrying a lot of weight in the future, IE: training for military boot camp, then I guess you have to. I would recommend doing your running on grass. Not packed dirt with a little grass, but some nice soft grass. Even a composite running track, at a public school, made from recycled rubber would be better than asphalt or concrete.
If you are just simply trying to build strength and or mass and or speed, try a parachute. They make small nylon parachutes that offer tremendous resistance without the aforementioned potential injuries. Good luck!

Answer 2

i'd say operating with a mild backpack received't damage you, yet 40 lbs is unquestionably too a lot. I in many circumstances run with a camelpack, and typically some more desirable such issues as a small meal, keys, wallet etc and performance a picnic and hike decrease back. keep on with the first suggestion, use ankle weights for resistance preparation, and leave the backpack mild. once you've hills then run that for the perfect resistance.

Answer 3

Sure it is harmful. Whether you subscribe to creationism or evolutionism, your joints aren't designed to enable running in a body heavier than a certain weight, which is also why seriously overweight persons shouldn't run but diet first.

I do not understand why you want to run with 40 additional pounds... maybe if you explain it others can give you more meaningful suggestions.

Answer 4

Essentially, yes, it's harmful to your body. Running puts a lot of downward force on the body, so running with a heavy weight puts your body in awkward positions to counter balance the weight. Think of it this way, running normally with your center of gravity near the rear/base of your pelvis keeps your torso in line with your knees and ankles. Adding a backpack, you're more than likely hunched over, which shifts the force of impact to your shins. Most people don't run like this everyday, so you shouldn't see a lot of joint problems over time. I would suggest seeing your doc to rule out any pre-existing conditions, though. Oh, and I hope you like shin splints and muscle fatigue in places you didn't know you had. :)

Answer 5

A better idea would be to purchase a vest that you can add weight to. A vest will better distribute the weight across your body to help keep joints from getting out of alignment.

Check out http://www.weightvest.com/

Answer 6

what they said ^