Are you a fan of the wild-life + you love to enjoy your time outside and in nature? Maybe you love to explore some new paths, trails, as well as tracks when hiking? Anyone can hike, it is all just about preparing the right gear, exploring the outside world, as well as coming prepared, optimistic, and ready for a fun journey! In this article, we will explain some pros and health benefits that hiking can have on your body. Keep on reading and have some fun!
9 Reasons Why Hiking is Beneficial For Your Overall Health
1. It is good for your heart
Going on a hike will help with your cardiovascular health. Regular walks and hikes can have an impact on your endurance as well. With time you will easily conquer any new obstacles, and your body will get used to longer hikes and runs. You can thank hiking for maintaining your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, as well as high blood pressure. It is also recommended for people with obesity, as well as teens and kids! You could even bring a pet with you on this journey, it is totally up to you!
2. Hiking will improve your balance
How good is your balance? You can easily improve it with longer walks, some trekking poles, as well as in time. Stability is key, just make sure that you’re wearing the comfiest shoes! Also, nowadays we are exposed to low temperatures and harsher climate, which is why it is essential to throw on a proper pair of pants, as well as tops! Make sure to check out Hiking Gear Lab, since they have some amazing pieces reviewed! You will easily browse through their pants that have lightweight and quick-drying features, along with wind-resistant technology. Everyone will easily find their perfect pair on there that will keep them protected at all times.
3. Helps you build muscle
Who doesn’t want bigger, more toned, as well as tighter muscles?! You will get better-stabilizing muscles in your legs, and you will also work out your back and arms. Every major muscle group will activate, such as glutes, quads, as well as hamstrings, and calves. If you have any issue with your back or your posture, this will help you work your core to its fullest and best potential! Also, hiking when combined with swimming may give the best results for your overall body looks and performance.
4. You will lose weight
If you are struggling with some extra pounds, it is time to hike! You can lose quite a lot by exploring some new tracking routes and hiking options, just find something that is perfect for your expertise level! If you are a beginner and you are just starting out, go slow! Do not push yourself over your limits, and stay within your boundaries. It should take you quite a lot of time to hike that first mountain, so be prepped and mentally prepared. It is a time-consuming process, but you will love it once you put on some music, and connect yourself with nature!
5. Helps with mental wellbeing
Speaking of being mentally prepared, would you want to have your mind trained? You can connect with nature and improve your mental wellbeing by exploring some new greens, flowers, water, as well as the smell of nature! In Japan, for instance, a lot of hikers love to soak up nature and its surroundings. You will not deal with any stress during your 2-hour walk, and you will have a lot more positive as well as an optimistic outlook on life. If you are feeling quite down, depressed, or anxious – give hiking a chance! It truly doesn’t matter if you plan on hiking on your own, or with some friends and family. It can be therapeutic either way.
6. Helps with self-esteem
It is always best to challenge yourself, as well as explore some new ideas, paths, as well as routes. Don’t you love the feeling of accomplishment after each obstacle? A lot of us love to get out of our comfort zones, and this is what truly makes us motivated and prepared for the beauty of other everyday obstacles. One study has shown that only 5 minutes of any type of outdoor activity will make you feel a lot more confident, as well as great about yourself. You will enjoy the results in the long-run, both mentally and physically!
7. Relieves insomnia and helps with your sleep
How good or how bad is your sleeping schedule at the moment? Are you struggling with insomnia? Your body will feel exhausted after each run, and it will crave sleep! The more you move, the more drained and tired you get, and the more rested you will feel the morning after. If you want to establish a sleeping schedule and an amazing pattern (or even a routine) you will enjoy this activity! It is an amazing day-to-day solution or at least something that you should do on the weekend.
8. Better memory and brain function
Did you know that proper blood flow to the brain will help you focus on other things? This also applies to oxygen which can help you focus on plenty of things. Studies have shown that increased blood flow and proper nutrition will help you remember some of the most important facts that you’ve learned during the day. By connecting to the wilderness and staying offline, you are practicing and pushing yourself, your brain, as well as your limits to their new levels! The higher the incline, the better the memory function!
9. Great outdoor and fun activity
Last, but not least, who wouldn’t want to have some fun? You can meet loads of new people when out and about, and you can have the time of your life on some new and never-seen-before tracks! If you are a social butterfly and you want to combine the best of both worlds, you will enjoy hiking! You will get some exercise in, and you will also enjoy a chat with your friend. Meeting new people will keep you pushing through the hike, and you will also feel a lot more motivated to continue the journey!