Hiking for Health
Walking and hiking are the most natural sustained activity for humans but hiking seems almost forgotten as an aerobic exercise. Recent studies have been done to assess the health benefits and the findings not only confirm the overall physical well being from hiking but found a surprising reduction of the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
The pertinent aspect of this University of Essex research is its focus on the setting of the hiking area. After a hike in the woods over 70% of the participants found their mood enhanced. Following a ‘hike’ through a large mall no one expressed a positive reaction but over 20% felt depressed after their urban hiking experience.
Physical Benefits for Hikers
A hiker promotes the well-being of the entire body; strengthening all the muscle groups, improving the cardiovascular system and decreasing stress. According to the Mayo Clinic there is a tremendous reduction of stress when hiking is a regular form of activity and it can reduce chances of stress-related chronic illnesses.
Hiking for 30 minutes will burn about 250 calories for a woman around 150 pounds in weight. As a guide, a hiker can expect to average about 3/4 of a mile (roughly 1 kilometer - if my conversion isn’t too far off) on a trail in 30 minutes. If the trail climbs significantly add another 30 minutes for each 1,000 feet you climb.
Warm Up for Your Hike
Hiking involves uneven terrain so the best way to prepare your heart, muscles and lungs for the exertion is to walk on the level.
The standard recommendation is 30 minutes of walking three times per week. As you feel your fitness improve you can increase the time and the days/week until you are ready to add stairs to your weight loss program to simulate the hiking workout.
Depending on the terrain you will need the proper hiking sandals, shoes or hiking boots. There is also an abundance of hiking equipment available to help you get the most out of your aerobics.
The pertinent aspect of this University of Essex research is its focus on the setting of the hiking area. After a hike in the woods over 70% of the participants found their mood enhanced. Following a ‘hike’ through a large mall no one expressed a positive reaction but over 20% felt depressed after their urban hiking experience.
Physical Benefits for Hikers
A hiker promotes the well-being of the entire body; strengthening all the muscle groups, improving the cardiovascular system and decreasing stress. According to the Mayo Clinic there is a tremendous reduction of stress when hiking is a regular form of activity and it can reduce chances of stress-related chronic illnesses.
Hiking for 30 minutes will burn about 250 calories for a woman around 150 pounds in weight. As a guide, a hiker can expect to average about 3/4 of a mile (roughly 1 kilometer - if my conversion isn’t too far off) on a trail in 30 minutes. If the trail climbs significantly add another 30 minutes for each 1,000 feet you climb.
Warm Up for Your Hike
Hiking involves uneven terrain so the best way to prepare your heart, muscles and lungs for the exertion is to walk on the level.
The standard recommendation is 30 minutes of walking three times per week. As you feel your fitness improve you can increase the time and the days/week until you are ready to add stairs to your weight loss program to simulate the hiking workout.
Depending on the terrain you will need the proper hiking sandals, shoes or hiking boots. There is also an abundance of hiking equipment available to help you get the most out of your aerobics.
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Get Off the Couch with Joan
These ten essays were previously published as newspaper columns chronicling two years of hikes on the North Country Trail. A reviewer has said;
"Young has an easy, breezy way of writing that makes reading both pleasurable and informative."
--- Big Rapids Pioneer (Michigan)
Joan Young has enjoyed the out-of-doors her entire life. She was inspired by her adventures in Girl Scouts, which provided early training in camp skills, numerous short backpacking excursions, a 10 day canoe trip and even an invitation to the Senior Scout Round-Up in Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho.
In 1986 Joan rode a bicycle cross-continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Not resting on her laurels, on August 3, 2010, Joan Young became the first woman to hike the complete the ‘North Country National Scenic Trail’. She covered 4,395 miles on foot.
"Young has an easy, breezy way of writing that makes reading both pleasurable and informative."
--- Big Rapids Pioneer (Michigan)
Joan Young has enjoyed the out-of-doors her entire life. She was inspired by her adventures in Girl Scouts, which provided early training in camp skills, numerous short backpacking excursions, a 10 day canoe trip and even an invitation to the Senior Scout Round-Up in Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho.
In 1986 Joan rode a bicycle cross-continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Not resting on her laurels, on August 3, 2010, Joan Young became the first woman to hike the complete the ‘North Country National Scenic Trail’. She covered 4,395 miles on foot.
Don't miss a chance to "Get Off the Couch with Joan",
for some hiking adventures!
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