![]() This is especially the case when snacks (think energy bars, fruit and even sandwiches) are brought on the hike as well.Fitness - including increased cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance (stamina) "Pure water can suffice on the shorter hikes". "Whether a sports drink that contains salts (those lost in sweating) or additional energy (sugars) for the hikes lasting more than 45 minutes to an hour, staying hydrated is very important, especially for hot and/or dry days", McClain said. McClain added that bringing plenty of fluids with you on your hike is key for staying properly hydrated. ![]() This is why it's so important to create time for breaks when you're hiking a long trail. Not to mention, because hiking may seem like a fun activity as opposed to a workout, Hashish added that you could accidentally end up overexerting yourself-depending on the length and difficulty of the trail. "When navigating uneven surfaces, you tend to get into positions and utilise muscles that you're not accustomed to, which can ultimately lead to fatigue". "It may sound cliché but the most important point to be aware of when undergoing a long hike is to listen to your body", Hashish said. When you finally hit the trails, Rami Hashish, PhD, DPT, a body performance and injury expert, said it's important to take note of how your body feels throughout the entire hike. Shappy, who focuses on cardiopulmonary physiotherapy with active, older adults, recommended basic stretching and a slow warm-up-like a short five-minute walk on a flat surface or doing some stretches with a stretch-out strap-before starting a long hike on unknown terrain. Here are the benefits you could reap after hitting the trails. And experts say proper warm-up and preparation before a hike is necessary for protecting your body's muscles and joints. (Related: Are There Benefits of Taking a Cold Shower After Working Out?)Īlthough experts consider hiking lower intensity compared to other forms of exercise, hiking still delivers numerous health benefits like any other exercise. ![]() ![]() "Allow for some more vigorous hikes as well as some 'active recovery' hikes in which very easy movement (as opposed to just complete rest) accelerates cellular recovery", McClain said. Simply put: the higher the intensity, the higher the impact it will have on your body. Though hikes are typically labelled by how intense they are, so if you want to take your workout to the next level, you can easily find a more strenuous trail. Low-intensity workouts have less of a cardiovascular impact than higher-intensity exercise and cause less strain on the muscles. Not only for its immediate physical benefits but also for the ways hiking can offer long-term mental and physical health improvements, such as decreased cardiovascular disease risk and reduced stress levels.Īccording to Rand McClain, DO, hiking is considered a low-intensity form of aerobic exercise. In fact, research from a 2018 issue of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine recommended that doctors endorse hiking as a healthcare solution to meet physical activity guidelines and counter sedentary lifestyle-related health conditions that increase mortality rates. Going on a hike may seem like a glorified walk through the woods but the physical and mental benefits of hiking can outweigh the ones found during a typical stroll around your local area. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |