Hooray for Hiking: Is one day enough to reap the benefits?

Hiking is so much more than simply walking up and down hills, although many people have probably never thought of it this way. Hiking can be used as a form of exercise, but also as an effective way to relax and enjoy nature. If you’ve never been hiking before, but are interested in getting started, you may wonder if it’s possible to reap the benefits from just one day of hiking. The good news is that you can start enjoying the health and wellness benefits of hiking today!

The Health Benefits of Hiking

The great thing about hiking is that you can do it virtually anywhere. With a little bit of research, you can find hikes near your home, on vacation, or even in your own backyard! Hiking has many health benefits such as reducing stress levels and helping with depression and anxiety. It also helps with blood pressure and respiratory problems, and improves cardiovascular health. By adding just an hour of hiking each week to your routine, you will reap all these rewards! Here are some tips to get you started: 

- Choose a hike that's appropriate for your skill level so you don't get discouraged. 

- Plan ahead by packing plenty of water, food, sunscreen and bug spray before hitting the trail. 

- Be mindful about wildlife - make sure to be respectful of any animal habitats along the way and make sure not to disturb any animals during their mating season.

The Mental Benefits of Hiking

In addition to being a great way to get in touch with nature, hiking offers mental health benefits. Research shows that time spent outdoors reduces anxiety and depression, as well as stress levels. It also provides some relief from symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The physical act of walking can also be helpful for those who are coping with chronic pain or illnesses such as cancer. Walking is not just beneficial when it is done while hiking; it's also good exercise when done on level ground. So even if you don't have plans to hike this weekend, there are still plenty ofof reasons to go for a walk! If you're looking for ways to add more walking into your life, here are three tips: 

1. Make a commitment to walk at least 10,000 steps each day. Some research suggests the average American walks about 4500 steps per day, which means adding an extra 2500-3000 steps will result in an increased sense of wellbeing and energy.

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

There is no single answer because how much you need depends on your age, weight, height, and physical condition. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week or a combination of both. This includes exercise such as brisk walking or jogging. 

The CDC also recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days each week. Examples include push-ups, pull-ups, use of resistance bands, etc. These activities should involve all major muscle groups and be done with 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise. Strength training should be done 2 or 3 times per week with 10 to 15 repetitions of each exercise being performed in each session.

Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your Hike

Hiking is an excellent form of exercise, but it requires some preparation. The first step is figuring out what you're going to wear. Wear clothes that don't restrict your movement and can dry quickly. If you are hiking with a group, make sure everyone is wearing bright colors so they can be easily seen by other hikers in case of an emergency. In addition, always bring along a map or GPS device in case you get lost or need help finding your way back on the trail. It's also important to drink plenty of water before and after your hike. Don't forget the snacks! Finally, always let someone know where you're headed before you head out on the trail. Better yet, tell them when you'll return. You never know when something might happen and having someone who knows where you went will ensure that help will come sooner if needed. Also, don't forget to take advantage of every opportunity for adventure. There's nothing more rewarding than reaching the top of a mountain peak and looking out over miles upon miles of land. 

Maintaining your fitness level is as simple as waking up 10 minutes earlier each day to do 20 jumping jacks followed by some stretching exercises.

The Bottom Line

A recent study by Stanford University found that over a 15-year period, people who exercised less than 150 minutes per week had a 31% increased risk of death from any cause. The study also found that 100 minutes per week of exercise was associated with a 27% lower risk of death from any chance, and 150 minutes per week was associated with an 18% lower risk. So it may be worth your time to take up hiking or some other form of physical activity! What's more, hiking provides many mental benefits such as reduced stress levels, improved moods and enhanced feelings of connectedness with nature. It can also promote relaxation while walking through different types of environments. There are varying degrees of difficulty in hiking which means you don't have to go very far into the woods before feeling like you've experienced something new and beautiful. For those who prefer staying closer to home, urban hikes offer amazing opportunities for scenic walks in your own city!