The Benefits of Hiking

Studies have shown that regular walking and hiking exercises increases a person's overall health and prolongs life. The American Heart Association strongly recommends walking or hiking 30 to 60 minutes four times a week. Highland Hiking is dedicated to the promotion and education of all experience levels of hikers to capture and enjoy the benefits of hiking.

The benefits of hiking are numerous. These improvements are health, mental, social and environmental. We protect our trails, and in return, nature gives us many blessings. Listed below are specific health benefits attributed to hiking:

• Losing excess pounds. Walking or hiking at a 2 mph pace on a flat surface will burn 250 calories in one hour. As one carries more weight, as the road goes up and down, or as the distance increases, one will burn even more calories.
• Preventing heart disease. At the center for disease control shows that regular hiking and walking can cut heart disease problems in half. When hiking, exercise will lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL).
• Decreasing hypertension. Studies have repeatedly shown that regular hiking will lower both the systolic and diastolic readings of blood pressure by over 10 points each at a minimum.
• Improving and maintaining mental health. Hiking causes the release of endorphins which are natural tranquilizers produced by the body. Hiking also releases adrenaline produced by the body to cope with dangers in front of you. While these endorphins relax you, the adrenaline will keep you alert.
• Slows the aging process. In a study of middle-aged men followed for 23 years, those who did not exercise loss 41% of their aerobic power compared to those who walked or hiked lost only 13%.
• Preventing Osteoporosis. Hiking and walking studies have shown significant increases in bone density from those who hike or walked regularly. People who lack calcium often develop bone disease but walking and hiking improve bone density scores, particularly in the feet.
• Improve the quality of air we breathe. Walking can replace short distance car trips. A family that walks 2 miles a day, instead of driving, will prevent an additional 730 pounds of carbon dioxide being dumped into the atmosphere.
• Preventing and controlling diabetes. Regular hiking and walking has shown to improve this metabolic disorder. Type I diabetics can lower the amount of insulin required by a regular hiking and walking program. Type II diabetics can reverse the course of their disorder from diet and regular exercise such as hiking and walking.
• Improving arthritis. Walking and hiking may be the best exercise for arthritis of the knees and ankles. The also strengthens the muscles above and below the knee to provide additional support to weakened joints.
• Decreases back pain. Regular hiking and walking has shown to prevent most forms of back pain. Those with reoccurring back pain may want to get a doctor's advice. But studies have shown many of these pains can be lessened by regular hiking.