Hiking and Changes in Altitude

Doris, a wonderful person and second mother to me, has made a great point about hiking and altitude.

As you explore the many facets of hiking and become better at it, you want to try new trails and paths.  Some trails cover great distances on sea level, but most hikes you see or read about will have a variety of elevation.  So what's to worry?  What's a little climb up a mountain got to do with me?

Altitude sickness, or sometimes referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is an ill-feeling brought about by rapid increases of elevation of over 8,000 feet above sea level.  Some of the effects felt by a person suffering from Altitude sickness are headaches, nausea, and dehydration.  If not careful, dehydration can happen quickly in higher altitudes due to high perspiration, low oxygen levels causing you to breathe harder to compensate.  At the same time, water vapors are rapidly lost during breathing sending you deeper into dehydration.

Altitude sickness can be prevented!  It's only a matter of practice.  

Yes, that right!  The best way to prevent the ill-effects of altitude sickness is to expose yourself gradually to the change in elevation.  Study the trek (or hiking trip) you want to take.  See what kinds of elevations you'll be facing.  Anything below 8,000 should be safe, but it's always good to be prepared.  Slowly start the climb up and notice how you breathe.  Is it hard to breathe?  Take a second to rest, drink water, and enjoy nature while your body acclimates to the new elevation levels.

If you start feeling any effects mentioned above its best to start making your way down and try again the next time you decide to hike.  The best advice I can give is to LISTEN to your body.  It will help tremendously if you listen AND understand what your body is telling you.  There is nothing better than to be "in-tune" with yourself.

If you'd like more information, click on the "Altitude sickness" link above.  Thanks for reading! 

Learn more about New York and New Jersey Trails

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is an organization that helps build and maintain over 1,700 miles of trails for the public to enjoy.  Check out their website for more information on things like planing a hike, joining a hiking group around your area and becoming involved through volunteering programs!  

Please visit the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference for more information.  If you love the outdoors, there's something for you!

Increasing your Cardiovascular Efficiency through Hiking

If you're new to exercise, you'll want to consult your physician on your health and new fitness lifestyle.  You want to be sure that you can take on new activities such as hiking in a healthy way.

Here are some ways to ease into hiking:

• Begin by picking an easy hike.  Ask some friends or go to your local bookstore and find a book on hike around where you live.  Often, the hikes listed will be labeled by levels of intensity.
• Watch the weather forecast the night before your trip and prepare accordingly.  Even if there is a slight chance of rain, bring a rain coat!
• Plan on how long you'll be hiking.  Hikes can be as long as you like them to be, so pack a snack for the day. 
• With a friend, start the path by treading slowly.  Carefully walk around large rocks and fallen trees.
• Focus on your level of exehursion and breathing.  If you begin to feel tired, take a rest and drink some water.  Continue along the path when you feel ready.

The first hiking adventure should be around 30 minutes in length.  This helps your body to adjust to the new activity levels.  Remember that if your hiking for 30 minutes, you should travel 15 minutes out then turn back which should take 15 minutes to return to base. 

Still feel like you need more information before you start?  I'll be making more posts in the near future featuring nutritional tips, helpful hiking accessories, and workouts to stay fit for strenuous hiking trips for advanced adventure seekers.   

Can't wait?  Check out this Ultimate Hiking Guide that will give you comprehensive tips on how to have successful trips.  Click the link below.  

Click Here!