What are the health benefits of hiking?
 

• Burns calories. Analysis results indicate that taking a one-hour hike burns at least 500 calories. The number of calories burnt varies with the angle of the trekking path and the weight of the backpack. The steeper the hill, the more calories are reduced. A hiking trail is a great aid to staying on track for an hour because the ground is softer on the ankles and knees unlike when walking on a tarmacked road.

• Hiking downhill has a tremendous effect on lessening blood sugar levels. Muscle movement flushes out excess sugars and improves glucose tolerance. Diabetes patients can improve their health condition by scheduling hiking expeditions and stiffening the challenges progressively.

• Toning the body. Hiking exercises all of the body’s muscles while propelling upwards or downwards on an incline. The glutes, quads and hamstrings receive maximum workouts hence tone the legs and butt. A backpack increases the endurance of the upper body and tones the back.

• Strengthens immunity. The International Journal of Sports Medicine published a report citing the effects of hiking on cancer patients. The increased antioxidants strengthen the immune system, reduce symptoms and accelerate healing.

• There have been numerous case studies over the course of history explaining the connection between physiology and the physical body. Stanford University established that engaging in physical activity heightens creativity which is essential in maintaining an enthusiastic spirit. Taking a break from the fast tech world syncs the body with nature’s vibrational frequency hence fosters a feeling of peace. 

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      Hiking essentially requires only one’s presence and energy. In most cases, people regard hiking as a sporty recreational activity. Some people realize early on the mental and physical demands of hiking an arduous terrain and hence prepare intensively for the forthcoming trip. Additionally, a hiking trip that lasts over two days can take a toll on the body and mind without proper training. The coach of StrongSwiftDurable, Jordan Smothermon, states that a fit hiker ought to be prepared for extremities such as changes in weather.

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How to prepare for hiking
 

• Try being active in your everyday life. Exercises that focus on the lower body will increase resistance strength by working out essential muscles. These workouts include crunches, squats, deadlifts, step-ups, lunges, and pushups.  Have your own pace, but make sure you start.

• Get mentally fit. The intangibles of looking forward to a trip and adding humor to the anticipation are more crucial than the actual workouts. It is this attitude that will propel an inactive person to enjoy hiking and possibly reap long-term benefits.

• Prepare essentials to carry on the hike. Hike gear can vary depending on the length and intensity of the trek. People camping for days to hike will need more than a simple backpack while a four-hour hike only requires the fundamentals. Both scenarios require essentials like a map, compass, sunscreen, hiking attire, hydration, and basic toiletries. While a hike is an opportune time to take a break from technology, long gone are the days of using a large map to navigate terrains. The technology minimizes a hiker’s backpack and maximizes the health benefits.

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      Hiking is a primary way to build a fit lifestyle and spice up a dull routine. The beautiful outdoors and milestone challenges are stimulating to anyone. It is important to backpack correctly and build on speed, strength, and balance to maintain a suitable posture and pace on a hike. More importantly, it is vital to remember to enjoy the simple hiking pleasures while simultaneously building up the challenges.
 

Source https://healthtechcenter.org/health-benefits-of-hiking-technology/