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Hiking may seem like a low impact physical activity at first glance, but it can help your physical and mental health in more ways than one. Going on a hiking trip alone, with friends, or with your family is a great way to reconnect with nature, burn some energy, and recharge your batteries. So what are the actual health benefits of hiking trips and why should you consider hopping on one for your next holiday?
Great for Your Overall Fitness
As mentioned, hiking may not look like the most intense workout out there, but it can be an extremely effective way to burn some calories. As a matter of fact, you could burn up to 500 calories in one single hour of trekking. And you could burn even more if you go on a steep incline trek or by adding a little bit of extra weight to your backpack. What’s more, is that will you’ll not only be able to burn a lot of energy, but you’ll be able to do it at your own pace and without putting too much stress on your joints.
It Will Tone Your Entire Body
Regular walking can work wonders for your muscles, and the effects are just amplified if you go on a steep trek with a backpack. Clambering over rocks and propelling yourself forwards with trekking poles will also give you a full body workout, but trekking will specifically work on your lower body, namely your glutes, hamstrings and quads.
However, if you want to have the full health benefits hiking has to offer, your hikes will have to be long and intense enough. And you won’t be able to get there unless you have the right pair of hiking shoes. Good hiking shoes will allow your feet to breathe, will be durable and will be waterproof as well. They should provide good support, give you good traction on all terrain, and ultimately, be comfortable. So, make sure that the pair you pick fits all these criteria if you don’t want to cut your hikes short or suffer from any injuries.
Could Help Lower Blood Pressure and Prevent Diabetes
Hiking regularly can not only help you control diabetes, but it can prevent it completely. Since hiking provides a nice cardio workout, you will remove some of the excess glucose in your blood and use it for energy. Trekking could also reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure. So, this is a great way to reduce the chances of heart disease for high-risk people.
Could Help Recovery in Cancer Patients
There has been research that has shown that hiking may not only have a positive effect on cardiovascular health but could also assist cancer patients as well. As a matter of fact, a study that was conducted by the International Journal of Sports Medicine stated that hiking could help improve the antioxidative properties of blood in oncological patients. Cancer survivors recovering from breast cancer reported in another study that hiking was one of the reasons they were able to recover so well.
Hiking Builds Social Bonds
But beyond physical health, hiking can also be a great way to build bonds and extend your social circle. This is a great way to make new friends and get out of your comfort zone. It’s also a great way to build a closer bond with friends and family and to share memories for years to come. Going on a hiking trip is a great way to enjoy the natural scenery while getting your blood flowing. So, if you want to get the best of both worlds and enjoy a new destination while getting a nice workout, you should definitely consider it.
Have you been hiking recently? Let me know in the comments below where you’ve been recently.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
