One of the smartest things you can do for your overall well-being is to keep your body active.
It sounds straightforward, yet a lot of us live sedentary lives. Consider how many hours you spend sitting while commuting, at a desk job and unwinding in front of the TV at night.
Of course, there are days when even the idea of exercising feels daunting, but your body stands to gain a lot from being active.
From a financial viewpoint, staying healthy can help you avoid pricey medical bills. While gym memberships and boutique fitness classes can add up, there are low-cost alternatives to get moving.
One great option: go for a hike!
The Advantages of Hiking
At its simplest, hiking only needs you and a path. If you’re new to it, skip pricey gear. Put on comfortable clothing, choose reliable footwear, bring water, and you’re ready.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week — or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Make hiking a regular habit and your body will appreciate it.
Livestrong notes that hiking:
- Reduces your chance of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, hypertension and stroke
- Can assist in preventing or managing diabetes
- Boosts energy, stamina and mental sharpness
- Enhances bone strength
- May decrease the likelihood of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, lung and endometrial cancers
- Elevates mood
- Helps alleviate insomnia
- Provides a natural source of vitamin D
Additionally, WebMD highlights that hiking:
- Builds the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and muscles around your hips and lower legs
- Strengthens your core
- Improves balance
- Supports weight management
How to Begin
Now that you understand why hiking is worth doing, the next step is to get outside and start moving!
The National Park Service provides a tool to locate national parks in your area. Use the advanced search to find parks suited for hiking.
The American Hiking Society offers a “hikes near you” tool that draws on crowd-sourced data from Hiking Project. Trails are rated and color-coded by difficulty so you’re less likely to pick one that’s beyond your skill level.
The group also publishes a variety of tips for your next hike, from packing your pack correctly to basic first-aid guidance.
If you live somewhere without many natural trails, that doesn’t mean hiking is off the table. Urban hiking is a perfectly valid alternative.
Also consider your footwear — good shoes make hikes more enjoyable. If you’re unsure what to pick, see our guide to best hiking shoes to help you choose the right pair.
Emma Carter is a contributing writer at Savinly. Her most recent walk was through the Washington Park Arboretum, a lovely patch of greenery in the Pacific Northwest.
