Hiking: The Ultimate Workout

Hiking is the ultimate workout. It is one of the best ways to get exercise. Along with being a great workout, hiking is its own unique experience.  It’s almost like sensory overload, but in a positive way. The warm sunshine on our face, the sound of the wind rushing through the trees, the enormous views, and the soft earthy feel of the trail under your our provides us with so many benefits. Being outdoors improves our sensory perception and opens us up to our surroundings.  Hiking, or going for a walk, is a great whole-body, mind, and soul workout that give us mental and emotional relief. It is low-impact, free, and puts minimal stress and pounding on our body.

Benefits of Hiking

Hiking is an experience and a workout that has limitless benefits. We reap the benefits of hiking the trail, mental relief from being in nature, and a complete mind-body-soul workout. Hiking, walking in nature, or going for a walk burns calories, increases strength, builds endurance, boosts brain health, reduces anxiety and depression, improves quality of life, builds healthy and strong relationships, and promotes cardiac, respiratory, and brain health. Walking on uneven terrain like a trail causes the body to use 28% more energy than walking on an even, flat ground. Walking with good posture strengthens our bones and muscles, which prevents osteoporosis through increasing bone density and decreasing the rate of calcium loss.  Above all, hiking boosts brainpower, increases happiness, and sculpts the whole body.

Go for A Walk or Hike

Going for a hike gives us a sense of adventure and a rush of adrenaline from being amongst nature and discovering new places. Hiking is very beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. It is important maintain adequate hydration before, during, and after the hike to reap optimal benefits. Make sure to drink a couple glasses of water or a bottle of water before leaving for the hike. It is essential to pre-hydrate to be at your fittest and healthiest before going on the hike. If you are planning to go on a hike in the morning time, avoid consuming alcohol the night before the hike. Pack an adequate supply of bottle water, sports drinks, snacks, and energy bars.

Water is crucial for hydration and food is the body’s main source of salts and electrolytes. It is important to regularly eat and drink to remain at optimal health during the hike. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. A good rule of thumb to go by is about half of a water bottle to a full one every hour while on the hike. Depending on the temperature and intensity you may need to drink more. Once you are done hiking, continue to drink fluids and electrolytes to replenish the loss. Be mindful of your body’s needs and do not wait to drink water until you are thirsty to maintain adequate hydration while hiking.

Thank you for reading.