Hiking is more than just a casual walk in the woods.It is a wonderful way to build strength, improve fitness, and cultivate mental health.Researchshowsthatyour bodyperformsin very distinct ways while hiking in comparison to going out for,say,a stroll around the neighborhood.Hiking, particularly for retirees,canhelp combat a sedentary lifestylewith a safe but effective form of exercise,while also offering unique mental health benefits through immersion in nature.
Physical Health Benefits
Cardiovascular health: Exerting yourselfwhile hiking is alow-impactweight-bearing exercisethat improves cardiovascular and respiratory systems.Thiscanhelp to reduceincidenceof diabetes, work to reduce your risk ofhypertension,(or high bloodpressure) and improve blood sugar levels.
Improvesstrength andbalance:Hikingis effective for weight loss, strengtheningmuscle and improving bone density. Hikingworksyour core; it stabilizes muscles which in turn improves your balance and stability.
Weight management:An average hiker can burn between 200-500 caloriesper hour, with more strenuous trails providing greater gains.
Longevity:Research suggests that hikingregularly,as with brisk walking, can increase the likelihood of a longer, healthier life by reducing instances of chronic illnesses.
Mental Health Benefits
Reducing stress:Getting out into nature helps release accumulated adrenaline and reduces muscle tension. The physical activity and tranquility of naturalsurroundingscanhelp tolower stress levels.
Encourages presence:Generally, thereisn’taccess to the typical forms of technology which encourages hikers to detach from digital screen activities and focus on nature and being presentinthe moment.
Improves sleep:If you struggle with sleep, getting out on the trail,being out in the sun,andhaving exposure toVitamin D can help regulate your sleep patterns and make you feel morerested.i
Reduction in anxiety:The University of California Davis found that being out in natureandhiking can help to lower your anxietyand depressionlevels and reduce both stress and feelings ofanger.ii
Lowers negative reflection: A study done at Stanford University found that people who hiked in a natural setting for at least90 minutesdidn’tdwell on negative thoughts as much.iii
Tips for Maximizing Health Benefits
When trying to get the most out of the physical and mental benefits of hiking,theykey is consistency and variety.Hikers can pursue shorter and steeper trails to improve their strength and longer, flatter trails for endurance.
Taking alongweekendtripor longer vacationtogohiking
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker, the U.S. hasnumerousareas that offer sensational hiking experiences including:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Over 800 miles and 150 trails of “pure nature.”ivThe Smokies have averagednearly 12.2million recreational visitors per year over the pastdecade.v
Appalachian Trail: The longest hiking-only footpath in the world.2,197.9 milestraversing 14 states with 16.9 million annual recreational visitors.
Yellowstone National Park: Over1,100 milesof hiking trails in three states with an estimated 4.8 million recreational visitors eachyear.vi
Local trails and greenways:Youdon’thave to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to check your area for local trails and greenways. Many offer yearly membershipsor free trails to explore. Even just taking a short walk around your neighborhood or local park a few times a weekcan offer significant benefits to mind and body.
Important Disclosures:
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by Marketing Solutions.
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