But just in case you’re new to hiking, coming back from a hiatus, or just in need of a little inspiration, we’ve compiled some of the best health benefits of hiking. Hopefully, these positive perks give you some extra motivation to hit the trail. Non-pharmacological treatments and protective interventions such as exercise have been emphasized for the aging population. The elderly population tends to prefer easy access to exercise that can be performed anywhere. A meta-analysis revealed that walking can improve physical functioning, especially muscle strength of the lower limbs as well as overall muscle strength and flexibility.
Unfortunately, this ‘sixth sense’ will decline like all muscles if we stop using them, especially when we get older, making us more likely to get injured from falls in old age. The leg muscles’ agility and flexibility increase with the up and down walk on the undulating terrain. Trekkers have well-toned leg muscles, which not only look good but also makes the ankles more stable. Some trails involve climbing as much as 1000 meters and the same descent, which provides an excellent workout to the legs, core, and arm muscles.
Macera CA, Hootman JM, Sniezek JE. Major public health benefits of physical activity. But the physical benefits are almost incidental to how hiking can contribute to your overall mental health and wellbeing. Trekking requires optimum efforts from the human body since it requires stretching, jumping, climbing and dodging at several intervals. These K2 Base Camp Trek Pakistan small exercises during a trek helps in making the bones stronger. Backpackers have added burden of carrying supplies, such as bottles, first-aid kits, clothes and even camping equipments, which would mean added weight on the shoulders and spine. If carried properly, this weight training can help add bone density, thereby achieving overall fitness.
Peterson and Martin reported that active males can successfully improve their endurance from trekking because of its downhill pattern of exercise. Therefore, trekking provides health benefits compounding those afforded by walking. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of trekking on the cardiovascular health and fitness of older women with obesity. Stress can disrupt your everyday life, causing health problems and depression. Taking in the fresh air and nature around you while trekking is believed to boost memory power and functionality of the brain. Breathing in the fresh air, as well as seeing plants and animals can also give you a better appreciation of the world and a sense of calmness and joy.
When looking at the health benefits of exercise, intensity has to be considered. However, a large amount of exercise performed at a low level of intensity was found to have no relationship with physical fitness (Manson et al., 1992). Furthermore, exercise at a low level of intensity showed no relationship to physical fitness, while exercise at a high level of intensity showed a significant relationship to body fat %.
Getting outdoors for a hike could have a positive impact in helping to slow down this loss. The CDC also recommends 30 minutes of physical exercise such as brisk walking, 5 days a week. National parks and their many health benefits are open to anyone, no matter who you are and where you come from. There are more than 400 national parks for you explore across the country, and each one presents its own unique opportunities for experiencing nature.