We all know that spending time outside is good for our health. But why not pair some outdoors time with an activity that can help you become healthier? Rather than heading to the gym for your next workout, head outside for a hike.
You’ll love savoring the fresh air and beautiful scenery. And your body will appreciate the combination of strength training and cardiovascular improvement. As a bonus, you’ll stimulate your mind and set a positive tone for your day.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading to learn how you can elevate your fitness regimen with hiking experiences!
Understand the Physical Benefits
Hiking offers a wealth of physical benefits that will vary according to a given hike’s level of difficulty. When you hike on rugged terrain at high elevations, for instance, that increases the difficulty level. And your body will need to rely on different muscles to navigate bumpy terrain or hike up an incline.
As a result, with challenging hikes, you’ll see improved cardiovascular endurance when your heart starts pumping harder. You’ll also improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure. And you’ll cut down on the risk of stroke and heart attack. Keep up a good pace and commit to hiking for at least thirty minutes to reap the biggest benefits.
When your muscles are engaged in providing stability or helping you reach a higher surface, you’ll develop more toned muscles. Hiking up hills can build up your calves and quads, while trying to maintain your balance will help tighten your core and improve coordination.
This can translate to better balance when you’re doing everyday activities, which is especially important as you age.
You can count on hiking as a solid all-over workout that addresses lots of different muscles rather than just a few. And even with easier hikes, moving at a brisk pace enables you to maximize your experience.
Enjoy the Mental Boost
Yes, you can flaunt toned legs and a stronger core after you’ve become a regular hiker. But the health benefits don’t end there. With hiking, you can explore stunning landscapes around the world or even nearby ones that are easy to overlook.
Immersing yourself in nature for a few hours is one of the best ways to clear your mind and feel gratitude for what you have. In nature, you have the freedom to let your mind wander when you distance yourself from phones and other distracting gadgets.
Ultimately, you’ll feel calmer when you step out into nature thanks to a reduction in cortisol levels in your brain. And when your mind is at ease, you can appreciate the landscapes around you and the nuances within them.
Hiking in the Dolomites, for instance, exposes you to the majestic beauty of the Southern Limestone Alps and crisp, refreshing air. Hiking by a stream offers a relaxing soundtrack as you hear the sound of trickling water. No matter what setting you choose, you’ll be in a better mood after hitting the trail.
Find a Trail to Meet Your Needs
You don’t need to be an athletic person to start hiking. And you don’t need to choose a rigorous trail that requires rock climbing or scrambling to get started. Hiking can cover a range of personal fitness levels. All you have to do is find a trail that suits your level of physical fitness and comfort.
Start with an easier trail if you’re a beginner. Smaller parks could have flat, gravel paths without a lot of inclines or miles. You could even do one segment of a trail before turning around and backtracking. You’ll still get your heart rate up and begin toning your muscles.
Over time, you can build up your endurance and increase your distance. Opt for trails with different elevations and terrain. And as you continue developing, upgrade to trails with more challenges. A few steep climbs and terrain shifts can give you even more to master. You’ll enhance your cardiovascular health while pushing your mental tenacity.
Stick with It
As with any exercise plan, consistency is the key. With hiking, you’ll need to strategize how to sustain momentum when your schedule gets busy and focus wavers. Even when you’re excited and seeing results, it’s possible to hit valleys where you don’t want to keep up the routine.
Start by equipping yourself with the right gear for the job. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes that keep your feet cushioned and comfortable. Also, look for moisture-wicking clothing so you stay dry when you start to sweat.
Whether you’re hiking through the Smoky Mountains or a park near your home, you’ll need the energy to do it.
For longer hikes, get a lightweight backpack where you can stash snacks, like nuts, and water. And before hitting the trail, stretch to help your muscles warm up. Otherwise, you could encounter muscle cramps at an inopportune time during a hike. You’ll feel less sore after the hike, too.
Hit the Trails
Hiking is one of the best ways to upgrade your fitness plan. You can spend time in the great outdoors and burn calories at the same time. You’ll love being able to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings while boosting cardiovascular health.
Start with shorter and easier trails before transitioning to more demanding trails with elevation changes. Remember that any type of exercise needs to happen regularly – including hikes. Plan on stocking up on hiking essentials, like shoes and snacks, and hitting the trails regularly.
