Exceptional benefits of hiking
Compared to other forms of exercise, hiking offers exceptional physical and mental health benefits, making it a popular outdoor activity millions worldwide enjoy.
It's a fun and rewarding way to explore the great outdoors while providing unique exercise benefits worth exploring.
How hiking offers exceptional benefits
Here are a few ways:
1 Burns more calories than walking
Hiking is essentially a form of walking, but with the added challenge of navigating uneven terrain and inclines. This extra effort translates to burning more calories per hour than regular walking.
For example, a person weighing 160 pounds can burn up to 430 calories in an hour of hiking, compared to only 314 calories burned in an hour of walking on a flat surface. That makes hiking a more efficient way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
2 Builds strength and endurance
Hiking engages the entire body, especially the legs, core and upper body. The constant movement of uneven terrain and inclines challenges the muscles in these areas, leading to improved strength and endurance over time.
Additionally, hiking involves carrying a backpack, which adds extra weight and resistance, building muscle strength and endurance. Read More…