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If you are looking for a new way to get outside and get fit, hiking is an excellent activity the whole family can enjoy. Hiking offers plenty of perks including fresh air, scenic views, relaxing sounds and smells of nature, as well as, health benefits.
Hiking is an extremely powerful cardio workout. Cardio training is an excellent way to lower your risk of heart disease and is a great weight-bearing exercise that can help boost your bone density and build muscle mass.
Hiking builds strength in a number of areas including your hips, lower legs, glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. It also helps strengthen your core and improves balance. The cardio aspects of hiking can even help improve your blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Aside from the physical health benefits, research has shown that it has a positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety. If you need a boost of happiness – hiking is an excellent way to get exercise and improve your mood.
For beginners, find some local hiking trails that have simple terrain and not a lot of hills. Getting started with easier trails will give you a good idea of how long of a hike you can endure and will help build you up to tougher terrain.
Even small hills can intensify your heart rate and help you burn extra calories. Once you are comfortable, gradually work yourself up to larger hills or tougher terrain. If you want to add more challenge to your workout, add some weight. Take along a day-pack loaded with about 10-15 pounds of water and you’ll boost your calorie burn by 10%-15% while strengthening your back muscles.
