Benefits of Hiking
Hiking is fabulous for health and fitness. It’s also a lot of fun and more interesting than your everyday walk.
Check out some benefits of hiking:
-Hiking on rough, hilly terrain recruits core muscles for an extra abdominal work.
-Gear up with a hiking backpack (with good back support) to add weight to your walk. It adds an extra lower body workout.
-Hills increase the heart rate and place more emphasis on the glutes and quads. It’s a fat burning workout, with a lower body focus.
-Walking downhill strengthens your lower back
-Using hiking poles helps you to walk faster to get a more intense workout
-Being surrounded by nature makes you feel less stressed and more connected with your sense of self. It’s “me” time.
-Hiking is inexpensive and suitable for all fitness levels.
If you want your hike to be a great workout try brisk walking for 20 minutes at a time. Switch it up between flat and hilly terrain. Try throwing in some squats and lunges on walking breaks to increase the intensity. Be sure to wear layers so you can shed some clothes off, when you work up a sweat.
If you are going on a hike to relax, bring a camera and a lunch to enjoy a day out, while the weather is still nice.
Hiking doesn’t have to be in the mountains and conservation areas. Try an urban hike. Pick a place in your city you have not visited. Pack some water and go! Walking is beneficial no matter where it’s done!
Take A Hike!
Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist