Study after study shows that being around, in or even just looking at nature has actual mental-health benefits. The tranquility of nature is in fact the first reason you should add hiking to your fitness regimen, and no that doesn’t include watching OLN on your marvellous 4K TV, it also doesn’t include hanging your MaleBasics in the backyard to dry while soaking in all your yard has to offer...well actually that’s better than nothing.
Hiking for fitness (or fun, or both?) has plenty of benefits both mental and physical and there’s no better time to start than now.
Just as many suggest, running outdoors is better than on a treadmill, and hiking is more beneficial for some of the same reasons. No terrain is the same and it will ultimately take a lot more time and energy to complete a hike than in any simulated environment.
If you need proof there’s a simple test: use an app that measures your walking distance and count how many steps or how long it takes you to go 100 feet on a flat piece of terrain like a road or sidewalk. Count your steps or time for the same distance in a forest or in brush and you will certainly see the difference.
You’re going to see that it takes much more effort to complete the same distance outside than in a controlled environment.
With more visual stimulation than a window or TV screen, this exercise will feel a lot better and you might actually have fun, too!
You’ll definitely want to bring supplies with you on your hike for a myriad of reasons. Not only will this hone your survival skills, you will increase your muscle endurance and core/leg strength. The longer you ruck, the more muscles will engage to make up for when your legs get tired.
Go long enough and your hips, core...basically everything will grow tire. This is not to say go until you drop. The goal for military operations for example, is to be able to hike a long distance and still be ready to fight at the end of it. You shouldn’t be ready to die by the end, rather still functioning enough to be able to stand in the shower.
One can develop problem areas from too much running or other high impact exercises (so be careful about how much weight you carry). Ankle, knee and calf issues can arise from landing too heavy on the foot or improper form.
So, while it’s important to watch your step and avoid injury as always, hiking can stretch out muscles naturally. Whether it’s stretching your calves by walking up hill or lunging to step over rivers or brush, some actually find it easier on their body to hike as opposed to jogging on a track.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t stretch before and after your hike though.
No, I’m not talking about some clever lyrics I’m speaking on the vitamin you get from sunlight that is directly linked to skin health and of course happiness. What’s worse than not getting the benefits of the sun are all the possible side effects of vitamin D deficiency. These include weight gain, fatigue and depression.
Add in the possibility of getting dry, irritable skin and that’s all you should need to know.
Be sure to bring lots of water, the calories you burn hiking may surprise you. We all watch the calorie counter on the treadmill and realize how much running it takes to burn off a single doughnut. Hiking with some weight can really burn off the fat.
Combine everything mentioned above that will likely distract you from the fact you are technically exercising and hiking may be your new favourite form of physical fitness.
Be sure to wear proper footwear to prevent ankle rolls, wear loose, layered clothes if going out past sun down, and try to incorporate performance wear to keep the sweat out.
Let us know all about your hiking experiences on Facebook or in the comments!
Hiking for fitness (or fun, or both?) has plenty of benefits both mental and physical and there’s no better time to start than now.
Improved Cardio/Experience
Just as many suggest, running outdoors is better than on a treadmill, and hiking is more beneficial for some of the same reasons. No terrain is the same and it will ultimately take a lot more time and energy to complete a hike than in any simulated environment.
If you need proof there’s a simple test: use an app that measures your walking distance and count how many steps or how long it takes you to go 100 feet on a flat piece of terrain like a road or sidewalk. Count your steps or time for the same distance in a forest or in brush and you will certainly see the difference.
You’re going to see that it takes much more effort to complete the same distance outside than in a controlled environment.
With more visual stimulation than a window or TV screen, this exercise will feel a lot better and you might actually have fun, too!
Strength Training
You’ll definitely want to bring supplies with you on your hike for a myriad of reasons. Not only will this hone your survival skills, you will increase your muscle endurance and core/leg strength. The longer you ruck, the more muscles will engage to make up for when your legs get tired.
Go long enough and your hips, core...basically everything will grow tire. This is not to say go until you drop. The goal for military operations for example, is to be able to hike a long distance and still be ready to fight at the end of it. You shouldn’t be ready to die by the end, rather still functioning enough to be able to stand in the shower.
Stretch it Out, Maaaan.
One can develop problem areas from too much running or other high impact exercises (so be careful about how much weight you carry). Ankle, knee and calf issues can arise from landing too heavy on the foot or improper form.
So, while it’s important to watch your step and avoid injury as always, hiking can stretch out muscles naturally. Whether it’s stretching your calves by walking up hill or lunging to step over rivers or brush, some actually find it easier on their body to hike as opposed to jogging on a track.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t stretch before and after your hike though.
Vitamin D, Be Happy
No, I’m not talking about some clever lyrics I’m speaking on the vitamin you get from sunlight that is directly linked to skin health and of course happiness. What’s worse than not getting the benefits of the sun are all the possible side effects of vitamin D deficiency. These include weight gain, fatigue and depression.
Add in the possibility of getting dry, irritable skin and that’s all you should need to know.
Feel the Burn
Be sure to bring lots of water, the calories you burn hiking may surprise you. We all watch the calorie counter on the treadmill and realize how much running it takes to burn off a single doughnut. Hiking with some weight can really burn off the fat.
Combine everything mentioned above that will likely distract you from the fact you are technically exercising and hiking may be your new favourite form of physical fitness.
Be sure to wear proper footwear to prevent ankle rolls, wear loose, layered clothes if going out past sun down, and try to incorporate performance wear to keep the sweat out.
Let us know all about your hiking experiences on Facebook or in the comments!