Being active is one of the best ways in which you can look after your mental and physical health. Now, you don’t need to throw on your runners and hit the pavement to improve your health; running on flat, hard surfaces for hours on end is actually a killer on your knees and joints – but do you know what isn’t? Hiking.
Hiking will get your body moving and get you out of the city and reconnecting with nature. If you don’t hike already, however, then it is crucial that you start small, beginning with these tips to keep your body in tip-top shape.
Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash
Start Small, and Work Your Way Up
One of the biggest issues with jumping right into a long, difficult trek is rolled ankles, aching muscles, cramps, and, because of all that, accidents. That’s why it’s so important to start small – and locally.
Find out what walks and paths are near your home and head out. A good 2 to 3 mile hike on mostly flat terrain is an excellent place to start. From there, you can then extend the length of the walk, or even head out further into the countryside for more wild walks.
Train with a Charity Challenge
If you want to make significant progress, quickly, then a great way to do just that is to sign up to a charity hiking challenge. You can take on the beautiful Wye Valley hike, for example, with Macmillan.
By signing up you’ll make a difference to those living with cancer, be given a training guide and tips, and on the day have a guide and rest stops available to make that 26-mile trek enjoyable – and easier. For those who want to break away from walks to hikes, this is a great way to stay on track, have fun, and support your community.
Invest in Good Footwear
You have to have a good pair of hiking shoes. These shoes need to have solid grip, and great support. Now, you do have a few options. You can get shoes with arch support if you find that walking hurts your knees or back, or you can even opt for “barefoot” shoes, which have a thinner sole so that you can firmly feel the ground under your feet.
Dress to Keep Dry
Keeping dry is so important for comfort and health, so you’ll want to invest in proper hiking gear that works to wick sweat away from the body. Alternatively, if you’re hiking in the cold, make sure you’ve got an insulating layer that keeps you warm and dry in wet weather conditions.
How to Keep Going
To keep going on long hikes, you need fuel. To do this, you’ll need to bring snacks and water with you when you head out. The best way to do that without harming your spine is to invest in a small backpack that distributes the weight of your water and snacks evenly. The last thing you want is to use a tote bag or carry items in your hands!
Go At Your Own Pace
There is no reason to rush through your training. Go at the pace that feels right for you, work up to hikes that you want to do, and take as many breaks as you need. At the end of the day, hiking should be fun, so remember to go your own pace.
About the Author
Cassandra is an experienced author, working for over a decade in media and digital marketing. In her career, she’s written for lifestyle brands, non-profit organisations, and health companies, offering helpful and unique insights designed to help people everywhere simply live better. In her free time, she reconnects with nature by tending to her garden.