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Visiting a local trail or nearby state park is enough to help your mind and body.
Cameron is an experienced backpacker and thru-hiker as well as a wilderness first response instructor.
She has completed multi-week and multi-month backpacking journeys, including hiking the Colorado Trail.
physiotherapist, CEO and owner ofAdvantage Physiotherapyin Australia
It doesnt have to be climbing a mountain.
Walking is a motion that moves your body from place to place, regardless of the setting.
This provides those muscles with greater stimulus than walking on flat areas such as a sidewalk, Fraser says.
Incorporating trekking orhiking polesalso engages your upper-body muscles like the arms, chest, and back for afull-body workout.
Improved cardiovascular health
Hiking can also assist in improving your aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health.
Your next foray into the forest will likely be a little smoother.
Improved sleep
Spending time in nature by hiking or camping can also help you sleep better.
Healthy aging
Hiking could be key to aging well, suggests one2019 study6.
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Calming and centering effect
Cameron agrees that hiking is particularly calming and centering.
Dr. Phillips says even hiking in silence with another person can foster feelings of connection.
Encourages challenging yourself
Hiking also empowers Cameron by reminding her she can do hard things.
Equipment
Cameron believes that expensive and niche equipment is not needed for hikers, especially beginner ones.
Safety
Hiking in nature can come with its fair share of safety concerns.
Knowing and addressing these concerns ahead of time can mitigate your risk of danger while out on the trail.
FAQ
How long does it take to get in shape for hiking?
What equipment do I need for hiking?
Is hiking better for you than running?
This depends on what your fitness and wellness goals are.
Hiking is, in general, gentler on the joints than running and moves at a slower pace.
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Effects of moderate mountain hiking and balneotherapy on community-dwelling older people: A randomized controlled trial.Experimental gerontologyvol.
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Cole, Taylor, and Jennifer Thomsen.
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