Add Hiking to Your Training Routine
As temperatures begin to warm up and flowers begin to bloom hiking through a peaceful forest becomes more and more appealing. State parks are beginning to buzz with those wanting to get some exercise while enjoying nature at its best. If you’ve never been the outdoors type there are several good reasons why you should consider adding a hike to your training routine.
Improved fitness. The most obvious characteristic of a good hike is that it involves moderate to high intensity physical activity. You don’t have to consider a hike at the park as a leisure or “day-off” activity. Pick up the pace and take on some rough terrain to increase your heart rate and calorie burn. In addition, if you carry some extra weight in a back pack filled with some essentials like water, bug spray and snacks you will improve your overall fitness even more.
Improved balance. When you head out on a trail it is likely you will face obstacles such as rocky terrain, large tree roots and hills. As you climb, step and work to gain sturdy footing your body is working hard and stabilizing muscles are being strengthened. Training on unsteady ground from time to time can help to improve your balance and stability. Just take it slow at first to avoid any falls or related injuries.
Improved muscle strength. Walking up a steep embankment and stepping up and down off downed tree trunks are just a few ways you are improving muscle strength during a hike. This extra work your muscles are forced to do will target your lower body and help your legs to grow stronger.
Improved well-being. There is something about being out in the quiet of nature that brings about a sense of peace and tranquility. Escaping from the busy streets or crowded park for your exercise session may be just what you need to renew your sense of well-being. All exercise helps to promote mental health and brain function, but hiking in the middle of the forest combines the best of both worlds. It is almost like getting your cardio and mind/body work done all in one session.
Depending on the elevation of your hiking path and the roughness of the terrain a strenuous hike can be just as challenging as your daily run. If you are not ready to take to the woods on dirt trails stick to a park that has a paved pathways. The workout may not be quite as strenuous, but you will still benefit from the physical activity and improved mental well-being.
Do you hike? How has it improved your fitness and helped you reach your training goals?
Photo by Lori Rice
I love hiking. It’s so east to get caught up in the surroundings that I forget I’m even exercising!
Healthy Ashley – Thanks for you comment. I agree. The surroundings are really be best part. It makes the whole exercise experience more enjoyable!