National Take A Hike Day
Take a hike! No, I don’t mean to stop reading this, but to literally go on a hike. November 17th is ‘National Take A Hike Day’ and it is the perfect way to enjoy the last bit of fall weather before winter hits. With over 60,000 miles worth of hiking trails throughout the US, there is no excuse not to strap up those hiking boots and hit the trails.
Apart from being a great way to enjoy the outdoors, hiking also has many physical and mental health benefits that you may have never considered. For starters, a person can burn 370 calories in just a single hour of hiking. This can increase depending on your body weight, the weight of your pack or gear that you’re using, the type of trail you’re on and how fast you are going. A simple 5% incline can help you burn 30% or more calories than walking on flat ground. Walking poles can also help strengthen your upper body.
Hiking can also help you to:
Lower your risk of heart disease – Hiking, like many other physical activities can help you lower your cholesterol as well as your blood pressure. So, get those feet moving and that blood pumping!
Boost bone density – Hiking is considered a high-impact weight-bearing exercise, which means that it can help make your bones stronger.
Build strength – Hiking is a great way to work your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles in your hips and lower legs without the hassle of going to a gym and using workout machines.
Strengthen your core – Similar to helping you build strength in your legs, hiking can help build your core strength based on the weight of your backpack. Try using walking poles which can help strengthen your upper body.
Help control your weight – A typical 160-pound person can burn around 370 calories an hour by hiking. This can increase depending on your body weight, the weight of your pack, the type of trail you’re on and how fast you are going. So, if you hike for a full 8-hour day, that’s almost 3000 calories burned! If you need help picturing what 3000 calories is, think of it as you are burning off 5.5 Big Macs or 14 slices of pepperoni pizza.
Boost your mood – According to Gregory A. Miller, PhD, the president of the American Hiking Society, hiking is a great way to fight off the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Even with these amazing benefits, the key to a good hike is always to be prepared and to stay safe.
Here are some essential tips to follow before you hit the trails:
Bring a buddy. It’s best not to hike alone at first, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails. A partner or group can help you navigate and assist if you get hurt. As your skill level improves, you’ll feel more comfortable going solo.
Know before you go. Familiarize yourself with the trail map. Check the weather, then dress and pack accordingly. If storms are a possibility, rethink your plan. Make sure to follow marked paths and trails to avoid getting lost.
Remember to pace yourself, take breaks, stay hydrated, and take in the fresh air and sights!
