Over the years hiking has grown even more in popularity. With trails that are easier to find and equipment to get you started on your hiking journey, there are more than enough resources to begin reaping the benefits of hiking. Hiking is of course great for your Physical health because there is plenty of walking and exercise, but as well as benefits to your mental health! So without further ado, here are 5 benefits for when you start hiking.
Improving Your Sense of Balance
Hiking often requires moving over rough, uneven and natural terrain which helps to improve sense of balance as well as strengthening the muscles. The best hiking trails will allow you to practice hiking up and down steep inclines to improve your sense of balance a little easier too.
Building Stronger Muscles and Bones
Hiking over natural terrain like trails will help strengthen bones and muscles without you even thinking about it. You're hiking up and down hills which helps to build muscle for stability as well as strengthening your legs, knees and ankles. Hiking can be a highly flexible activity and you can find hiking trails at your own pace. It is a low impact exercise that can be done by almost anyone!
Improving Your Heart Health
Walking is aerobic, which means hiking helps to improve your heart health. Depending on your pace, hiking will burn more or less calories but generally hiking is low impact, meaning it's an exercise that can be done by almost anyone without straining yourself too much! Hiking also allows you to breathe fresh air that can also help with heart health.
Decreasing The Risk of Certain Respiratory Problems
Hiking over natural hiking trails means you're breathing in fresh air, hiking regularly can help to decrease the risk of respiratory problems caused by pollution. Breathing in fresh air is good for everyone but hiking also helps to strengthen your heart and lungs.
Mental Health
A hiking adventure can decrease stress, anxiety and depression. Hiking is known to help with mental health in more ways than one. Not only hiking provides endorphins for your brain but hiking offers you the challenge of working up a sweat physically while enjoying the benefits mentally even before you leave home!
Bottom Line
Overall it is important to Fuel your body with a protein-packed meal before you begin on your hiking adventures. By consuming the right food, you can give your body the extra energy required to make the most out of your exercise. Drinking an organic pre-workout smoothie before you hit a trail is the right choice.
With hiking going in popularity over the years and trails that are easier to find its the best time to begin your hiking journey. There are more than enough resources to begin reaping the benefits of hiking. Hiking is of course great for your Physical health because there is plenty of walking and exercise, but as well as benefits to your mental health!