When I think of all the people I’ve met trekking in the past 7 years, I don’t remember anyone saying they were trekking to lose weight. Perhaps some were not comfortable admitting it, but I think, broadly speaking, weight loss is not a big factor in why people take up trekking. But honestly, why on earth not? A lot of my friends are almost obsessed with losing weight and maintaining an ideal body shape. I think it’s a mindset thing. Or maybe trekking in the woods isn’t as fashionable as going to a trendy gym for an hour or two of exercise. God knows… but the truth is that trekking is one of the best ways to lose weight! do not believe me? read on.
When you work out at the gym, do aerobics or some high-energy sport, you can expect to burn 4-800 calories per hour. Compare this to trekking and you will find that trekking is on the low end of that range. While trekking, a “typical trekker” burns approximately 4–500 calories per hour. So why is trekking so great for losing weight?
There are two main reasons:
1. When you go trekking, do it for a whole day. You burn calories from morning to evening, not just for a few hours at the gym.
2. On the trekking trail you are far away from the temptations of everyday life, cookie jars, junk food restaurants etc.
Let’s look at the math.
Let’s say you’re somewhat like me, male, 30s, about 160 pounds / 72 kg.
1. You go trekking and carry an extra 15-20 pounds (7-10 kg) in your backpack. You go on a nice trek which is a bit tough, but still enjoyable. You trek for 8 hours a day, burning 500 calories per hour. That’s 4000 calories you burn right there. You’ll probably burn another 1,500 calories while resting for the rest of the day.
Total Calories Burned: 5500 calories/day
2. You do an average of one hour of intense sport or exercise per day. This will burn 800 calories. Other than that, you lead a normal life, with moderate activity, going to school, office or light physical work, shopping, housework, etc. For this your body will burn around 2700 calories per day.
Total Calories Burned: 3500 Calories / Day
you see my point?
While trekking you burn 2000 calories more per day than doing intense exercise! Well, at least in this example. The exact figures depend on you. If you’re heavy, carry a heavy pack, travel long distances, over rough terrain, etc., you’ll burn even more calories. If you’re younger and take it more lightly, you’ll burn out less. But these numbers are quite typical.
True, you probably overeat while trekking. But a large portion of the extra calories burned will normally come from burning your body fat. Trekking is a continuous activity, so it is easier for the body to reduce your body fat at a slow but steady pace.
And besides being great for weight loss, trekking brings you in close contact with some spectacular natural views as well as your own body. I don’t trek because I want to lose weight. I do it for the pleasure and the feeling that I get when I have a few days off or a few weeks saved in some way. And although I’m not overweight, I always come back slimmer, and for some reason, approach life in a new and more positive way!
Source by Danny Sherpa
