The fact that exercise is necessary for health is a given. But it is important to identify the activity that can help one get the most health benefit. Demanding hours at the desk deprives one of being a regular at the gym. Walking or hiking is the only way out to produce a positive impact on health.
So, put on your hiking boots as we take you through the beneficial results of hiking in nature. Research studies validate hiking as a low-cost intervention to promote good health.
1. Elevates mood:
Combating depression is a tough job. Doctors prescribe walking as an alternative and a viable way to reduce depression. Trekking can be an ideal mood-booster as it combines the functional benefits of exercise with the intangible asset of socializing with people on the trail.
The amount of time spent with nature has a positive effect on mental well-being. Reducing stress levels and high blood pressure and improving sleep and energy levels in the fast-paced society is one of the good health benefits of hiking.
2. Fortifies your heart and lungs:
For those battling with cardiac problems, a few days of hiking activity can be heart-friendly. Set your foot on the Tour Du Mont Blanc hike in Europe’s highest peak and find your way to improved heart function, tight and secure veins, and better muscular health.
Did you know, a cardio exercise strengthens your heart by reducing blood pressure and the build-up of cholesterol? Eat a heart-friendly diet, but at the same time set your eyes on a health-enhancing trail. It also works to give you healthy lungs and helps ward off pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
3. Burns calories:
Hiking up the hills is hard work. Trekking the trail is not for everybody, but look at the calories you burn when climbing up. The weight loss potential of trekking will beat any gym activity to the countless calories of a delicious Swiss meal.
When at the borderline of obesity, think of doing alpine ascents to achieve personal fitness goals. Hiking is a good way to stay in shape and get fit by reducing the risk of dangerous illnesses like obesity.
4. Heals back pain:
The mismatch between the working and sleeping hours of an average American is scary and disturbing. As a result, it can take a heavy toll on the spine and joint health. With bad postural habits and muscle weakening, chronic back pain is becoming a rampant feature in people of all age groups.
A trail walk puts our spine in a favourable configuration as compared to a sitting position. This strengthens the pose and reduces the negative impact of the inactive deskbound posture.
5. Improves body balance:
Trail hiking is well-equipped to maintain a fine equilibrium between mental agility and balance. The hiking surface is not plain and smooth, but uneven and rugged. This surface can promote stability in ankle muscles and helps you avoid losing your balance.
If we do not train our bodies to meet the pressure of hiking adventures, we are likely to suffer from more trips and injuries as we fall in our senior years.
6. Sharpens focus and productivity:
A ten-minute walk early in the morning is a good way to wake up from sleep and inertia. Now imagine the immense contribution of a hiking trail for mental sharpness and agility.
Reshape your weekend activities by venturing out on a hiking expedition. This will increase your mental focus by decreasing stress and boosting your physical fitness. Some of the best ideas come to us when we are several meters away from the workstation.
7. Speeds up metabolism:
Spending hours of inactivity can be the biggest evil force for our health. It makes our mind lazy and lethargic; it also reduces our appetite and cravings for good food. Imagine our gastric enzymes that metabolize fats shutting off due to our fixed position on the seat.
Take regular screen breaks to trigger a speedy metabolism. And, hiking is a blessing to us for the muscle mass it builds in our legs, thereby improving our body metabolism. More muscle mass means greater metabolic rate, and healthier you.
Extra Words
Hiking is one of the best ways to meet and interact with interesting men and women from all over the world. It facilitates quick bonding between people in their common goal of overcoming the hiking challenge.
While meeting new people is fun, it also begets health. The sense of belonging it generates is overwhelming, which is great to promote emotional well-being.
Conclusion
If you have postponed a hiking adventure with friends and family for long, now is the time to start planning and organizing it. Go on solo or guided trips, but make it happen in the interest of your health and well-being. Life is about meeting new people but also to fulfil the health goals. So, get, set, go!
Links & References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674785/
https://www.alpenwild.com/Alpshiking/ten-health-benefits-of-trekking/
Author’s Bio:
Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the Travelling Industry. She believes travelling is the key to a peaceful life & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, She loves Traveling and Reading.
Featured image: https://unsplash.com/photos/PQa5vHHnpm4
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
