It’s no wonder runners and hikers avoid the weight room, since we typically think about weight training as big weights, veins popping, and muscles contracting violently. However, if we REFRAME weight training as the MANAGEMENT OF TENSION, we can start to wrap our heads around its usefulness. 

TENSION allows us to push ourselves forward, to absorb impact, and to spring off the ground.  In running and hiking, there is a cycle of tension. Running has a quicker cycle with shorter time on the ground, while hiking has a slower cycle with longer time spent on the ground. 

Tension in areas where it is not needed, however, can limit movement and if the TIMING of tension is off, we reduce efficiency through energy leaks. This can mean less speed and miles covered for more energy expended.  

Overall, our bodies need to learn how to BOTH GENERATE TENSION AND LET IT GO. 

Tension is a spectrum of magnitude, and it's always there just to keep us upright. However, if we store too much tension when...