Looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to lose a few pounds? Would you like to find an easy way to exercise that's practically free?
Hiking, or trail running, is a great way to start your fitness lifestyle. Let's face it: fitness is not a destination, its a journey. This journey can be a brisk walk through a park or a strenuous run up a trail to reach the top of the peak for breath taking views.
On this blog, I'll give you some great health benefits of hiking, help you find hiking trails close to where you live, give you tips on how to enjoy your hiking experience safely, and provide links of the best places to get the right hiking gear for you!
So what can a walk in the trees do for me?
Hiking can have a wealth of health benefits! Let's start looking at what makes hiking different from just a regular walk:
- Hiking can be mentally liberating; freeing you from any work, family or personal related issues that may be very stressful.
- Hiking is physically rewarding, increasing your cardiovascular efficiency and strengthening your heart and muscles.
- Most hiking trails are set in wooded or forested areas so you can enjoy the sounds and scents of nature.
- Depending on how easy (or strenuous) the hike is and how fast you're going, you will be burning MORE calories than your casual walk This is due to the toughness of the hike, type of ground you walk on, its incline and total elevation.
- It has been proven through studies that by taking a friend, you'll keep your commitment to your health and less likely be discouraged to exercise.
I've hiked everything from one mile trails in city parks to strenuous 6 mile climbs up occasional steep, rocky paths to glorious views at the top. And there is nothing more rewarding than sorting out my mental files of the week while enjoying panoramic views at the top of my favorite hiking path.
So how can you get started?
As promised, taking on the hobby and/or fitness lifestyle of hiking is free. You can find hikes around your home town by going to Trails.com. There you can find many trails that you might not have been aware of. You don't have to sign up with them to get great information. Most of their content is there for free. Write down the trail(s) you'd like to try and search for books on them. There is a wealth of information in published form on the best hikes in your area.
You can sign up for local newsletter that feature outdoor activities like hiking. If you don't mind spending a few dollars, try joining a hiking group. Often times there is a fee, but you'll have expertly guided hikes by a professional that can help ease you into the hobby and make some new friends, too!
As you progress into your hobby and find enjoyment, you'll want to get the proper gear to make the experience more meaningful. Hiking gear is not hard to find, but the choices can be overwhelming. Contact your local sporting goods store and ask if they carry hiking gear. My first recommendation for gear would be a good pair of hiking boots. Do your research and ask around to see what brands and styles are best for your adventures in the wild. Read online reviews for the recommended boots. Shop around the internet for the best pair and see how much they go for. You can then go to the store and get fitted for a good pair of hiking boots. A note about hiking boots: don't feel too squeamish spending around $100 for hiking or trail running shoes. You'll want ultimate comfort whenever possible. Your feet will thank you.
So, you're on a budget?
Doing a little homework can go a long way! You can find great deals online. But there's nothing better than going to the store and trying them out. Once you find which hike you're interested in trying out and how hard the path will be, look for boots that will fit the job. Always read some reviews on the boot. I can't stress this enough! I made a few bad buys that cost me dearly. If I had read the reviews, I would have found out that the stitching on a particular boot comes apart after a few hikes, therefore losing its waterproof value, saving me money! I can't advise enough how important it is to read reviews on big investments.
Now you have your boots and you're ready to go. Before you head out, you'll want to pack some things that will be a great help along the way:
- snacks (trail mix, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, etc.)
- water (plenty of it!)
- a small first aid kit
- a hat or bandana, sunglasses and sunscreen
- poncho and an emergency blanket (a thin aluminum sheet to use in case of hypothermia)
- extra clothing (in case of changes in weather)
There are fantastic brands and online stores that will help you find the right gear for your needs. Remember to find out what other people are saying about the quality of the product before you buy. Read reviews often. Read the negative reviews first and work your way to positives. If there are no positives, then maybe that brand or type of gear is not worth your hard-earned money. That saves money!
In essence, hiking can have wonderful health benefits. Both mental and physical changes occur when you take the time out to take a hearty hike. You relieve built up stresses, sort out problems and possibly find solutions while enjoying some sun, fresh air and nature. It doesn't cost a thing to start and if hiking is for you, investing in some well researched, highly recommended gear can help you make the most of your hiking adventures. So what are you waiting for? Take a hike!
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