Once winter is over, it is the best time to rejoice, but also to plan long weekend getaways in spring. What better way to spend your downtime than doing something healthy in the beautiful, refreshing outdoors? Trekking Enthusiasts already know the many pleasures they can experience from taking a brisk hike down a challenging trail or climbing a quiet, scenic mountain. But are you aware of the secret? hiking side effects? If not, we are here to give you a hint.
The best part of this outdoor activity is that it can be enjoyed at any age and stage of life, regardless of ability. Not to mention there’s more than 400 national parks to choose from in every part of the United States, each offering its own unique challenges and beauty that can fit whatever getaway you’re looking for. In addition to enjoying an amazing getaway, you’ll reap more proven health benefits from hiking than you ever thought possible. This fun activity will not only give your calves, thighs, abs, and glutes a solid workout, it will give you so much more.
So, grab your backpack, pack some healthy snacks, put on your hiking boots, and let’s go for a hike! Let’s further explore the secret side effects of hiking, and then check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong, Toned Arms in 2022, Says a Trainer.
Hiking is an excellent source of cardio. The more hills you can include in your route, the better training you will have. Every time you step up your cardiovascular conditioning routine, you’ll help your the heart works more vigorously. Assuming a natural flow of ups and downs will exercise your core muscles while adjusting your balance, as the varied lateral motion you’ll perform on an uneven trail surface is very different than on a treadmill, as Dr. Aaron explains. L. Baggish, associate director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, explained to Harvard Health Publishing.
Related: Top 5 Health Benefits of Walking, Says Science
Whether you choose to hike the Grand Canyon or opt for a short trail at your local state park, it’s been proven that simply being outdoors, aka nature, can relieve your stress, anxiety and depression. By walking, you will lower your chance of having high blood pressure (hypertension) by 4 to 10 points. As reported by the American Hiking Society, about 33% of adults in the US have hypertension—the “silent killer”. It is given that name because the symptoms often go unnoticed and can lead to stroke, heart attack, and other critical health problems.
The next time someone tells you to “take a hike,” honestly take it and follow their advice! By doing so, you can actually increase your chances of living longer. Studies reveal that when you engage in regular physical activity, you dramatically reduce your chances of developing chronic disease, including diabetes Y colon cancer. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle can also reduce the chance of dying from coronary heart disease.
If you are looking to lose a few pounds, hiking is a great option. (LiveStrong actually calls him “one of the best” weight loss activities.) In fact, reaching the body weight that’s considered normal for you will help avoid the high blood pressure we talked about earlier, according to the Walking Society of America. Planning a weekend getaway with your best friends or family will also help you maintain healthy muscles, joints, and bones.
Related: The only kind of walk you’re not doing enough of, says science
If you are prone to or suffer from arthritis, a safe, brisk walk can actually go a long way and help relieve any pain you may have. When you hike, you keep your joints active while maintaining strength in the muscles around them.
Apparently, hiking can build your bone densityslow calcium loss and strengthen your bones, Adam Rivadeneyra, MD, a sports medicine specialist at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Orange, California, revealed to Practical Pain Management.
Of course, you need to take proper precautions. If you have arthritis, be sure to use high quality footwear that is very supportive. You should also consider carrying walking sticks. And choose your route wisely. Rivadeneyra advised avoiding any path with lots of large rocks and choosing a path that is well marked.
We guess you don’t need any more convincing! A hiking adventure is an extraordinary plan that will be packed with benefits for your overall health, so check out a few trails and start a list of the ones you’d like to try.
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