Health Benefits of Hiking

Who says getting into shape has to be monotonous and dreary? Now a days more and more people, are adopting hiking and trekking as a major workout to their exercise routines. The trend of hiking and trekking is increasing in many parts of the world.

Hiking is a completely poles apart experience than anything you are going to do in the gym. In essence, hiking is merely walking on a path, whether on trail that runs along the river or a more adventurous trail to a mountain edge. It is perhaps one of the best-rounded forms of physical activity. It allows you to preserve our body in good working condition by walking which is by far one of the best exercises available.

So hiking is popular and fun, but have you examined the health effects of the sport? Here are a few:

1. Weight Loss: Hiking is a superb way to lose excess pounds. Hiking can burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour depending on whether you are walking on a flat trail or climbing a more challenging spot with hills. When combined with a healthy diet, hiking helps you lose weight fast and easy.

2. Decrease risk of CVD: Because hiking is an aerobic exercise, it offers important cardiovascular benefits. The movements related with hiking help to expand the arteries which reduces the blood pressure and takes some of the stress off of the heart. It also increases the HDL (good cholesterol) which helps get rid of LDL (the bad cholesterol). In addition, hiking can improve your health if you already have suffered a heart attack. But, make sure that you get your doctor's go-ahead before attempting uphill hikes.

3. Strengthen Bones: Hiking helps increases bone density and strength, and slows the rate of calcium loss, thus strengthening the bones and decreasing their susceptibility to break. This prevents one from bone diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.

4. Controlling Diabetes: Hiking can reduce the amount of insulin a Type 2 diabetic requires. It can also protect the body from the degenerative effects of diabetes.

5. Increases stamina: Over the long term, aerobic exercises like hiking is likely to increase your stamina and promote natural fatigue treatment. Also, hikng builds flexibility and strength. Going uphill firms the calves and glutes, while downhill trips tone the quadriceps.

6. Low impact exercise: Depending upon the terrain you choose, there's minimal stress on the joints. This makes it a good form of exercise for people with arthritis. It also helps to strengthen the leg muscles which can take some of the pressure off of the knee joints.

7. Break from the routine: Walking on a treadmill or lifting weights can get boring. Hiking provides a much needed break from the boredom of the gym and can help reinstate your enthusiasm to exercise.

8. Stress Buster: Life can be hectic and stress can build up without being noticed. Hiking is a relaxing way to get away from everyone and spend some time with yourself. You can explore natural settings that can only be reached on foot, leaving the hectic urban life and pollution behind for awhile. The psychological effects of spending time in natural surroundings are constructive and mentally powerful. After your hike, you are sure to have obtained a new point of view and feel revitalized.

9. Inexpensive: Hiking is a relatively inexpensive sport, especially if you are going for a one day hike. All you require is a good pair of boots, few necessary gears and equipments, and some water.

10. Socialize: Hiking is something that can be done alone or with a friend or perhaps even a hiking group. It is a wonderful way to not only meet others but also to make a few good connections.

To hike comfortably, you need to raise your fitness level to the point where you can walk 6 to 8 kilometers on level ground without undue fatigue or strain. Train for the climbs by walking up and down hills or by walking up and down steps or by using an inclined treadmill in the gym. You also need to get used to carrying extra weight on your back (if you are going for multiple days hike).

One day hiking trips are a great way for beginner hikers to experience trails and exercise at the same time. So, rejoice at the new way you have found to exercise and go hike a trail.