| How to Improve Your Hiking Technique Posted: 17 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT Hiking is a great way to spend time and exercise in the great outdoors. But it can also be difficult and physically demanding, especially if you're new to hiking. Using good technique will make your hiking experience more fun and enjoyable, and with practice and the right gear, you can improve your technique to become a better hiker and take on more challenging trails. [Edit]Using the Right Gear - Invest in a good pair of hiking boots. A sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking boots will help you hike longer and further. Wearing sneakers or boots that aren't durable will make your hikes harder and may hurt your feet after a long day out on the trail. Choose a pair of well-fitting hiking boots to improve your overall hiking ability.[1]
- Look for high-quality hiking boots at outdoor supply stores, boot stores, or by ordering them online.
- Wear the socks you plan to wear on your hikes when you try the boots on so you choose a pair that isn't too tight.
- A good pair of hiking boots often take some time to be broken in so they're really comfortable.
- Pack small, nutrient-dense snacks in a lightweight backpack. Choose a well-fitting and sturdy backpack designed for outdoor use to store your snacks and gear. Pack small, lightweight snacks that are super-rich such as protein bars and trail mix so you're able to satisfy your hunger cravings and keep your energy levels up while you're out on the trail.[2]
- Fresh fruit such as apples or bananas are tasty, lightweight, and will provide a healthy supply of energy.
- Nuts are always a nice, tasty snack to have that will keep you going and stave off major hunger cravings.
- Store your water container in an easy-to-access location. Fill a canteen or a reusable water bottle with fresh water before you hit the trail so you're able to stay hydrated. Keep it somewhere on your backpack or slung over your shoulder so you can access it easily without having to stop to take a sip.[3]
- Hiking is a rigorous physical activity, which means you need to stay hydrated in order to keep going and replace any fluids you lose in your sweat.
- Store your water somewhere like on the side of your backpack so you can reach it while you're on the go.
- Wear lightweight clothing made out of moisture-wicking material. Put on comfortable pants and a shirt made out of moisture-wicking material such as a polyester blend that allows your skin to breathe while also protecting against moisture and rain. If it's cold where you're hiking, add layers of clothing such as a nice, warm fleece jacket. Pack a raincoat in your backpack, just in case you get caught in a sudden downpour.[4]
- Pack a waterproof shell for your backpack so you can cover all of your gear to protect it as well.
- Look for clothing designed for hiking at outdoor supply stores or by ordering them online.
- Adjust your pack's harness so it's comfortable. Before you get out on the trail, put on your backpack and adjust the straps and components so it fits securely and comfortably on your back. As you're hiking, the straps may loosen, or they may rub and become painful in certain areas. Make regular adjustments so the pack isn't loose, but it feels comfortable so you're able to keep going and enjoy your hike.[5]
- Put your pack on before you go hiking to make sure it isn't too heavy. If it is, take out any unnecessary items to make it more manageable.
- Bring a smartphone with a compass and hiking apps. Download apps to your smartphone that map out the trail you're hiking so you won't get lost, even if you don't have cell phone service or access to the internet. Your smartphone also has a compass app so you're always able to find your direction. Charge your smartphone and pack it with your gear in case you need to use it.[6]
- You can also download weather apps to keep track of any storms heading your way.
- Popular hiking apps include Topo Maps and Peak Finder.
- Use trekking poles to allow your arm muscles to help you hike. Trekking poles, also called hiking poles or hiking sticks, are 2 rods that you hold to help you hike. They allow you to incorporate your arms to make the trail more manageable. They also add extra stability. Choose a pair of trekking poles and adjust them so they're a comfortable height for you to improve your ability to hike.[7]
- Trekking poles are great to use on rocky or uphill terrain.
- You can find trekking poles at outdoor supply stores or by ordering them online.
[Edit]Developing Good Technique - Hike a local hill 2-3 times a day to find your natural cadence. Experienced hikers set a good cadence or pace while they're out hiking a trail so their steps are the same length and happen in the same amount of time. To find your own natural cadence, find a hill around your area that has a consistent slope. Walk up and down it a few times a day and focus on settling into a consistent rhythm with your steps. In time, you'll build muscle memory that will help you out on the trail.[8]
- The hill can be paved and doesn't need to be super steep.
- You'll also build up your hiking muscles with regular trips up and down a hill.
- Set and maintain a steady pace to avoid getting fatigued. Whenever you're out hiking, settle into your natural cadence so you're able to make steady progress without breaking down or wearing yourself out. Keep the same pace for both uphill, downhill, and flat terrain. You'll use less effort and will hike more efficiently by keeping a steady pace.[9]
- Use a zigzagging pattern when you're hiking uphill to make it easier. Breaking up the terrain on steep ascents or when you're hiking uphill by zigzagging decreases the gradient and makes the climb easier. Zigzagging also uses different muscles with each step, which helps prevent your legs from getting tired out.[10]
- Try to keep the same pace, even as you're hiking in a zigzagging pattern.
- Be careful when you're hiking up rocky terrain so you don't step on a loose stone and slip.
- Take smaller steps when you're hiking downhill to keep your balance. Hiking downhill may feel easier, but it's really important that focus on maintaining your footing and balancing so you don't fall and potentially tumble down the trail. Take steps that are about half the length of your normal stride so you're more stable and less likely to trip and fall.[11]
- Focus on your foot placement as well so you don't slip.
- Smaller steps help keep your center of gravity over your feet so you're not leaning forward.
- Choose the path of least resistance on cross country hikes. If you're hiking without a trail or on a trail with lots of different types of terrain, take your time and look around whenever you approach an obstacle or a change in terrain. Look for the safest and easiest way to hike through the terrain and use that route to manage it more efficiently.[12]
- Avoid burning yourself out by choosing the most difficult route possible, especially on long hikes.
- Cross country or terrain without trails are often more remote and are less likely to have people on them, so it's important that you're as safe as possible when you're hiking them.
- Take short, consistent breaks to stay fresh on the trail. Stopping to take a short, 5-minute rest every 2-3 hours will actually keep you moving faster on the trail because you'll feel refreshed and ready to keep going. Find a nice place to take a short break, take off your backpack, and stretch out your muscles before you get back on the trail.[13]
- Adjust your backpack when you put it back on so it's more comfortable.
- Take a sip of water and have a small snack to get your energy levels back up.
[Edit]Training to Improve Strength and Stamina - Take shorter hikes to build up your hiking endurance. The best way to improve your hiking ability is to get out there and hike! Start with shorter, less difficult trails to get your body used to hiking. As your ability improves, keep challenging yourself with more and more difficult trails. Over time, your technique, endurance, and ability will increase.[14]
- Look online for hiking trails in your area that you can check out.
- Many parks and hiking trails will indicate the difficulty of the trail. Start with the easier trails first and work your way up to the more difficult ones.
- Climb stairs to improve your hiking stamina. Hiking is a strenuous activity that requires lots of endurance to keep going. Climbing stairs will challenge your muscles and increase your cardiovascular conditioning while roughly simulating the movements of hiking. Visit a local park or stadium with stairs you can use to build up your stamina.[15]
- Some gyms have stair climber machines that you can use as well.
- Try to take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator any chance you get!
- Use cardiovascular exercises to improve your physical conditioning. Building up your cardio will improve your ability to go on longer, more demanding hikes. You won't break down or get too fatigued while you're out on a trail if your physical conditioning is on point. Try to do some cardiovascular exercise at least 2-3 times a week to stay in shape and increase your conditioning.[16]
- Even if you don't plan to hike in the near future, keeping your conditioning up will make sure you're always ready for a hike.
- Running, cycling, swimming, skipping rope, and even machines like an elliptical trainer and rowing machines are all great examples of cardiovascular exercise.
- Do strength training to build stronger muscles. Hiking also demands a lot from your muscles, so adding some weight lifting to your fitness regimen will help build up your muscles so they're strong enough to handle anything the trail throws at you. Add at least 1-2 weight lifting workouts a week to increase your strength and improve your ability to hike tougher, more demanding trails.[17]
- If you're new to weight lifting, work with a trainer or an experienced partner to make sure you're using good form and won't injure yourself.
- Use weights that are appropriate for you. Trying to lift weights that are too heavy can cause you to injure yourself, which could keep you from hiking!
- Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and lung capacity. Stretching your muscles at least once a day will increase your flexibility and mobility, which will allow you to handle the ever-changing demands of a hike. Stretching also helps to expand the muscles of your rib cage and diaphragm, which will help develop a greater lung capacity for hiking.[18]
- Stretching also helps release tightness in your muscles after a long hike or a challenging workout.
- Try training with your backpacking gear so you can get more used to it. Go for walks or hike up nearby hills while you wear it so your body adapts to the extra weight.
- The more fit you are in general, the better hiker you'll be. Even if you can't make it out on the trail, exercise regularly to keep up your fitness.
- Go for regular walks when you get a new pair of hiking boots to help break them in so they're more comfortable.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy or performing exercises you're unfamiliar with so you don't hurt yourself.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
| How to Drink Red Wine with Food Posted: 17 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT Red wine has been a popular mealtime drink for centuries, but with so many varieties, choosing the right wine may seem challenging or overwhelming. Fortunately, by recognizing the basic flavor profiles of different types of red wine, you can pair the right wine with the right food for an even more enjoyable dining experience. There are also a few tricks and strategies you can use to help enhance the flavor of the red wine even further. [Edit]Pairing Wine with Food - Choose a rich red Bordeaux for heavier, fatty dishes. Rich, bold-flavored red wines such as red Bordeaux go well with hearty dishes such as beef stew, a bacon cheeseburger, or pasta with a meaty sauce. The strong flavors correspond well together and the red wine may even help aid the digestion of fatty foods.[1]
- A dry Shiraz or a Cabernet Sauvignon blend would also pair well with a rich, hearty dish.
- Go with a Cabernet Franc or Xinomavro for spicy food. Well-seasoned, spicy dishes, like Mexican or Thai food, are best served with a glass of a light, acidic red wine. The acidity in the wine will balance out the heat and wash the strong flavors down to cleanse your palate.[2]
- A red Zinfandel would also work well to balance the heat of spicy food.
- A light red wine would also pair well with some spicy chicken or even a spicy soup.
- Put Barbera together with a tomato-based dish. Barbera is an Old World wine from Italy that goes really well with tomato-based dishes such as pasta or lasagna with a red sauce or even a tasty pizza. It also goes well with classic Northern Italian dishes, such as polenta and risotto.[3]
- The balanced flavors of Barbera aren't overpowering, so they don't compete with either the bold or the subtle flavors of Italian dishes.
- Match a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with juicy red meat. A well-cooked steak like a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon is best paired with a deep, rich wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a glass of Malbec, which will enhance the richness of the hearty meat. The rich notes and aromatics of these reds also go well with other savory meats such as lamb, venison, or even goat.[4]
- Cabernet Sauvignon comes in a variety of blends but is always rich in flavor.
- If you're having grilled veggies as a main course or as a side dish to your red meat, a nice, full-bodied Syrah would add an extra layer of depth to your meal.
- Pick a Pinot Noir for cheese plates and dishes with earthy flavors. Pinot Noir is a dark red wine with a magical balance between a light body and rich, savory flavors, making it a perfect companion for dishes with earthy ingredients such as mushrooms or truffles. It won't overpower the delicate flavors but will add another layer of depth and richness to the meal. It also brings out the umami flavors of a variety of cheeses, making it a great choice to pair with a cheeseboard.[5]
- Pinot Noir also features light fruit notes and a smooth finish, making it ideal for cheeseboards.
- The earthy flavors of many vegetarian dishes are also well served by a Pinot Noir.
- Select Merlot for lighter meats such as turkey or chicken. Merlot is a red wine with a dark color, but a light body and flavor, so it won't weigh down or overpower meals with lighter proteins such as chicken, turkey, and even fish. If your main dish isn't red meat, Merlot is a great wine to accompany the meal.[6]
- Merlot would go great with a classic Thanksgiving or holiday turkey.
- Because of its light body, Merlot is usually a safe wine choice for most meals.
[Edit]Enhancing the Flavor of Red Wine - Use a wine glass with a large, rounded bowl and a stem. Red wine needs lots of room to breathe and open up, so choose a glass with a large bowl that's rounded so you're able to swirl the wine around inside of it. Go with a glass that has a stem so you're able to hold it without the heat from your hand warming the wine, which can make it taste more bitter.[7]
- Though red wine isn't meant to be chilled, if it's warmer than room temperature, it can affect the flavor of the wine.
- Fill your glass about 1/2 of the way full. Pour less than half of a glass of red wine whenever you serve it so the extra space inside the glass will help the wine breathe and make it easier for you to sniff the subtle aromatics released by the wine. Pouring less than half a glass also makes it easier to swirl the wine around.[8]
- Sniff and swirl the wine around your glass to take in the aromatics. The aromatics released by the wine are an integral part of the richness of the wine, and sniffing the glass to take them in will enhance your wine drinking experience. To help the wine release its aromatics, gently swirl it around the inside of the glass before you sniff and take a sip.[9]
- Swirling the wine increases the oxygen present in it, which opens up the flavors and helps to release the aromas.
- Avoid drinking more than 3 glasses during a meal. Always drink wine in moderation so you're better able to pick up on the subtle flavors and aromas, and so you're able to get home safely. Even with a meal, try not to drink more than 3 glasses of wine so you can avoid drinking to excess.[10]
- Well drinking red wine in moderation has been linked to many health benefits,[11] heavy drinking can lead to serious medical issues such as cardiovascular disease.[12]
- If you plan to drink wine at your meal, always have a designated driver.
- If you're in doubt, a Merlot is generally a safe choice of red wine for many meals.
- If you're serving wine at a large dinner party or event, go with cheap plastic cups instead of expensive stemware.
[Edit]Warnings - Drink responsibly and avoid driving if you've been drinking red wine.
[Edit]References |
| How to Cover Light Switch Plates with Scrapbook Paper Posted: 17 Jul 2020 01:00 AM PDT Light switch plates can stick out distractingly as white rectangles on colorful walls, or just boringly blend in on neutral-colored walls. But it's easy to add some pizzazz to your switch plates! Grab some scrapbook paper with a fun design, a bottle of Mod Podge, and a few crafting tools, then get to work turning your switch plates into DIY creations that complement your room decor perfectly. [Edit]Covering the Front of the Switch Plate - Remove the existing light switch plate or buy a matching plate. Switch plates are held in place by one or more screws, depending on the style. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the screw(s) counterclockwise, save the screw(s) for later, and pull the switch plate away from the wall.[1]
- If you buy a new switch plate, make sure it's the same size (or larger) and has the same layout as the current plate.
- If the plate is stuck in place due to paint on the wall, run the sharp tip of a crafting knife all around the edge of the plate where it meets the wall.
- It's not necessary to turn off the power to the switch at your home's main electrical panel, but it does make the job that much safer.
- Trace the switch plate's outline on your chosen scrapbook paper. Lay the scrapbook paper upside-down on your work surface, then lay the switch plate right-side-up on it. Trace the outline of the plate on the back of the paper with a pencil.[2]
- To make cleanup easier, place a sheet of wax paper or aluminum foil on your work surface. It isn't absolutely necessary quite yet, but it will come in handy once you start applying the Mod Podge adhesive!
- Don't worry about tracing the cutouts for the switches, plugs, or screws at this time.
- In addition to scrapbook paper, heavy-duty wrapping paper also works well with this technique.
- Enlarge the tracing by and cut it out. Move the switch plate out of the way, then use a ruler to create a new outline that's about larger on all 4 sides. Cut out this larger outline with crafting scissors.[3]
- Your tracing and cutting don't need to be perfectly neat at this point.
- Brush a full coat of Mod Podge on the front of the switch plate. Dip your small crafting paintbrush into the jar of sticky white Mod Podge and apply it to the entire face of the switch plate. Use steady pressure and long strokes to get complete, even coverage.[4]
- Mod Podge is the brand name for a crafting decoupage used to attach and protect paper materials. There are many types of Mod Podge available at crafting stores and online, but Mod Podge Original is the best option for this application.
- It's also okay to use an alternate brand of decoupage product, though some crafters swear by Mod Podge!
- Lay the paper cutout upside-down and hold the switch plate over it. Carefully position the switch plate so that it's centered and aligned with the cutout. This is particularly important if the paper has a design on it, such as vertical stripes, that need to be lined up correctly with the switch plate.[5]
- Mod Podge doesn't dry immediately, so you will have a bit of time to make some minor adjustments if the design on the paper isn't quite lined up correctly.
- Smooth the paper onto the front of the switch plate. Keep the switch plate lined up as you press it down onto the paper. Flip both items over and use your fingers to smooth the scrapbook paper evenly over the entire face of the switch plate. Work out any wrinkles or air bubbles with your fingertip.[6]
- The paper will cover all the cutouts in the switch plate for screws, light switches, and outlets. That's okay at this point—you'll cut away this excess paper later.
[Edit]Securing the Edges and Cutouts - Cut slits from each corner of the paper to the matching corner of the plate. Flip the switch plate over again so you're looking at the underside. Using sharp crafting scissors, cut a slit that runs from each corner of the paper cutout to the same-side corner of the switch plate.[7]
- These 4 corner slits will allow you to fold the excess paper over the edges of the switch plate.
- Add more Mod Podge to the edges of the switch plate's underside. Brush an even coat around the entire inside perimeter of the plate. This ensures that the excess paper that you're about to fold over will stick securely in place.[8]
- Alternatively, brush the Mod Podge onto the edges of the paper before you fold them over the edges of the switch plate. The important things is to make sure there's a layer of Mod Podge between the paper and the switch plate in all spots.
- Smooth the paper all the way over the plate's outer edges. Working one side at a time, fold the excess paper over the edge of the switch plate, then use your fingertips to pinch, press, and smooth it securely into place. Take extra care at the 4 corners where you cut the slits into the paper, so that the paper smooths out evenly at each corner.[9]
- No one will see the underside of the wall plate, so the edge of the paper doesn't need to look perfect—it just needs to stick!
- Cut "X"s and slits though the paper covering any small switch cutouts. With the switch plate still upside-down on the work surface, you'll see the underside of the scrapbook paper at each of the plate's light switch, plug, and screw cutouts. For small, traditional light switch cutouts, use your crafting knife to cut an "X" into the paper that runs from corner to corner inside each cutout. Then, cut a small vertical slit in the center of the "X."[10]
- Make "X"s and smaller cutouts at large switch or plug openings. For bigger cutouts for plugs or larger, modern-style switches, cut a corner-to-corner "X" through the paper in the same fashion. Then, cut away the center of the "X" in the shape of the cutout. Aim to leave about of excess paper along the entire interior perimeter of the cutout.[11]
- Smooth the paper over the edges of the switch and plug openings. If needed, brush a bit more Mod Podge around the perimeter of each cutout. Then, fold over the excess paper and smooth it out on the underside of the switch plate. When you're finished, the cutouts should be the same shape and size they were before you added the Mod Podge and paper.[12]
- Don't worry about the small cutouts for the mounting screws. Deal with them later.
- Hold the paper on the edges with paper clips while the Mod Podge dries. With the switch plate still face-down, grab a handful of small metal or plastic paper clips. Slide the clips over the lip that runs along the outer perimeter of the plate, as well as around each of the cutouts. Space them about apart.[13]
- The clips help to ensure that the edges of the paper don't lift away before the Mod Podge dries.
- Let the Mod Podge dry for 30-60 minutes before proceeding. Simply leave the switch plate face-side down on your workspace. Keep the paper clips in place during this time.[14]
- Mod Podge usually dries completely within 30 minutes, but it may take longer in humid conditions.
[Edit]Finishing and Mounting the Plate - Brush a light, even finish coat of Mod Podge over the attached paper. Focus more carefully on your technique with this layer than you may have done with the adhesive layer of Mod Podge. Use a light touch and long, steady brush strokes that all go in the same direction. The ensures that you'll get a light, even protective coat that will be barely noticeable once it dries.[15]
- While Mod Podge Original—or a competitor's equivalent product—will work fine as a protective coat, you may get better results with Mod Podge Hard Coat.
- Let the finish coat dry for 30-60 minutes before proceeding. The Mod Podge will be clear and glossy once it dries. A single finish coat is sufficient, but you can add a second coat at this point if you wish.[16]
- Adding a second finish coat will make it a bit more glossy.
- Poke small holes with a safety pin for the screw openings. Once the protective coat of Mod Podge dries, hold the switch plate face-down in your hand. Poke the tip of a safety pin through all of the screw holes—and the paper that's covering them. Turn the switch plate over and use a ballpoint pen to enlarge the holes slightly.[17]
- If you don't have a safety pin, a toothpick will do the job equally well.
- Unlike with the cutouts for the switches and plugs, you don't need to be precise here—you just need to make some holes! The screws will conceal your work in this case.
- Secure the switch plate in place with the mounting screws. Slip the switch plate over the plugs and switches at the wall outlet. With the plate flush against the wall, use a screwdriver to secure all the mounting screws in place. Hand-tighten the screws, but don't over-tighten them or you may crack the plastic switch plate.[18]
- Congratulations—your first decorative switch plate is all done! Now go tackle a few more!
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Light switch plate
- Scrapbook paper
- Screwdriver
- Crafting knife
- Crafting scissors
- Ruler
- Ballpoint pen
- Mod Podge (or similar decoupage product)
- Crafting paintbrush
- Paper clips
- Safety pin
[Edit]References |
No comments:
Post a Comment