DID YOU KNOW?
The average width of the Grand Canyon is 10 miles.
Trail hiking is one of the greatest forms of aerobic (fat burning) exercise there is. Trail hiking is also great for strengthening your leg, abdominal, and back muscles. Beyond that, hiking is a lot more fun and scenic then walking on a treadmill at the gym.
Keep Your Trail Hiking Safe
Although trail hiking is part of a healthy life, you still need not underestimate mother nature. Being ready to face any obstacle that nature uses to attempt to block your fun is an important part of the hobby.
Whether trail hiking for enjoyment, education, or health a walk in the woods can present some opportunities for danger and severe injury or death. Knowing how to react to the potential circumstances can keep you safe. Always check the weather report before you hit the trail.
Know Your Limits Before Going Trail Hiking
While hiking is great exercise, many people will hit the hiking trails in full force even if they aren't in the greatest physical shape. This can put your health in jeopardy if you are not physically able to meet the challenges.
Those who exercise and are physically fit will have a more enjoyable experience than those who push away from their desk and sedentary lifestyle with a sudden urge to hike for hours on a rough trail.
When the decision is made to take up trail hiking, before heading to the store to buy all the clothing and equipment, take a trip to doctor for a health assessment to determine if your body can handle the rigors of the contemplated trails.
Simply trail hiking around paths in the local park is more like taking a nature walk and probably will not present any problems. However, if you decide to head for Everest, the toll taken on weak muscles and your heart can result in fatigue, heart attack, severe strains, and muscle pulls.
It Helps To Get Fit First
If the potential for trail hiking looms in the future, it will pay dividends to work out the muscles required for heavy walking as well as making sure the heart is healthy enough to stand the strain. Doing squat exercises in the gym, using the treadmill on an incline and using the stair master will help you develop the muscles that you need for trail hiking. It is also a good idea to get into a regular stretching routine to lessen the chance of pulling something while you are out on the trail.
The Trail Hiking Diet
Remember to eat a healthy diet full of organic fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Either eat organic meat or take a protein supplement for the protein you will need. You should also drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated.
If you are trail hiking on steep and difficult terrain make sure that you bring a long protein bars for snacks and drink water infused with glucose to make sure that your muscles are getting enough sugar. Following these daily guidelines will help your stamina and resistance to injury when you are hiking the trails.
At Diet Health and Fitness we strive to get outdoors and go trail hiking as much as possible. It is quite simply more fun to get active exercise outside than be stuck in a gym. But please pay attention to the above precautions.
One other precaution you should take if hiking, especially if on tough trails, is to make sure you have the right gear. It can be the difference between being cold, or slipping and falling, to making it to the top of the mountain safely. If you need a complete catalogue of trail hiking gear please visit:
