What Are The Health Benefits Of Hiking And Trekking?

By: Mats Lundkvist

Today more and more people, especially in Europe and America,
are adopting hiking and trekking as a major outdoor event. Not
only in these countries, but the trend of hiking and trekking is
also increasing in many other parts of the world. But have you
ever thought, what are the health benefits of hiking and
trekking? Are these outdoor events really beneficial for health?
Is hiking or trekking for everyone or has some age bar? Does
hiking only has health benefits or are there any psychological
benefits too?

These are some questions which quite often strike in our mind.
If someone seeks answer to these questions, although most of
them are subjective in nature as far as the degree of benefits
is concerned, but certainly the response would be positive. Most
of the people would immediately say, "Yes there are countless
benefits." No doubt, there are many benefits of hiking and
trekking ranging from controlling obesity to preventing heart
disease to improving the quality of air we breathe.

While many sports activities and games require special equipment
or training to get started, the hiking is relatively much
simpler and more beneficial than any other exercise. Literally,
anyone can put on a pair of shoes along with few necessary gears
and equipments and start moving into the woods for a little
fresh air--this is called hiking. The scenery, accessibility and
diverse nature of hiking trails make this heart-healthy pastime
attractive for people of all ages, fitness levels and income
brackets. Moreover, except few points, hiking and trekking don't
require any special expertise and skills.

Hiking or trekking allows us to maintain our body in good
working condition by walking which is really a good exercise. It
improves our physical as well as mental health and the list of
benefits from hiking and trekking is infinite. Hiking is
essentially walking that is considered to be one of the most
perfect forms of exercise for your body. You can get a chance to
spend some quality time together with the Mother Nature, so it
also provides a mental health antidote. Everyone can find trails
to suit their physical strengths. And unlike other activities or
sports, it is a pursuit that allows people to determine their
own limitations.

Many research findings and studies show that hiking is an
excellent way to lose extra pounds and improve overall health.
To improve overall health, we don't necessarily need to do heavy
and painful workouts, but just a short brisk walk of few minutes
can be more than sufficient. According to the American Heart
Association, it's best to walk vigorously for 30 to 60 minutes
3-4 times per week. But even low- to moderate intensity walking
can have both short- and long-term benefits . Similarly,
According to Walking for Health, people "won't find a better way
to lose weight than walking." The results will be more permanent
and pleasurable than any diet or weight loss scheme.

For example, in December, 2001, the US surgeon general called
the increased rate of obesity in the United States an epidemic.
The report states that 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese,
and the number is increasing year after year. In addition,
thirteen percent of children are overweight. The report
recommends that communities create safe sidewalks or walking
trails to encourage physical activity . Not only these, but
there are many more research findings that clearly show multiple
health benefits of hiking and trekking.

When it comes to enlist the health benefits, then the list may
go endless consisting of several mental as well as physical
health benefits, such as losing excess pounds, preventing heart
disease, decreasing hypertension or high blood pressure,
improving and maintaining mental health, slowing the aging
process, preventing osteoporosis, improving the quality of the
air we breathe, preventing and controlling diabetes, improving
arthritis, relieving back pain (which has become an epidemic in
the modern contemporary world along with healthy habits for a
healthy life i.e. team building skills, positive attitude,
kindness, empathy,

At last but not the least, hiking has countless health benefits
and the beauty is that it doesn't cost you much. Moreover, while
at hiking you can take other family members and your young
children along with you without much difficulty. Indeed, it is a
good idea to spend more time with your family and children. For
young children, it helps improve their physical stamina and team
building skills.

Friends, just go for a hike, and see what we mean. Happy hiking!

About the author:
Passionate hiker and avid backpacker with exceptional field
experience. Lundkvist combines his education and career with his
love of nature and being outdoors. Trekking is his call to fame.
Find him at: http://www.mytrekkingpoles.
com