I absolutely love to hike! My family and I try to camp at least once a month if we can swing it, and enjoy hiking with our dog, talking about all sorts of topics, and trying to solve life's mysteries! I found this article that was put out by the American Chiropractic Association, and I wanted to share with everyone! Hiking can be a great way to get exercise, activate Vitamin D, help clear your mind, and allow you to see the vast beauty in this world, some of which exists in our own back yards!!! Hope you enjoy the article.
Dr. Afghani
What is so enticing about hiking? Perhaps it is the sense of freedom while heading toward a wondrous destination; or soaking in the vast beauty of nature as you do something healthy and fulfilling; or maybe it is inhaling clean, fresh air while shedding stress and toxic buildup from days working and living indoors.
When hiking, you might take a turn and suddenly gaze upon the sun shining through the leaves of a forest, a lake hidden in the snow-capped mountains or the multitude of colors displayed along a desert of rock and sand. Hiking offers refreshing peace and stillness amidst an almost constant rush of discoveries, large and small.
The benefits of hiking are numerous: It lowers the risk of heart disease, boosts bone density, builds muscle and core strength, improves balance, helps to control weight and improves mood. 3 It has even been found to improve learning, cognition, memory and creativity. 1
Research suggests being exposed to nature also can improve higher-order cognitive functions such as selective attention, problem-solving, inhibition, and multi-tasking. While our multimedia usage is constantly utilizing these functions, the restful introspection induced by natural stimuli seems to replenish the brain's ability to perform them. 2
In the age of COVID-19, a hike also offers a safe, outdoor activity that you can do while distancing with family or friends. Take the time to prepare and pack well to avoid injuries and other unexpected problems. If you are new to hiking, here are a few tips to help you get you started:
Tips for a Productive Hike
Beginners should start on a flat surface. Gradually increase inclines with hills and then proceed to mountains. Ascending and descending inclines burns more calories and improves balance and core strength.3
Add some weight to your backpack, such as plenty of water, some healthy snacks and an emergency kit. The added weight improves back muscle strength and burns more calories.
When packing your backpack, keep soft items closer to the part of the backpack that touches your back and put harder items to the outside. Some hikers even wrap hard items in T-shirts to reduce any potential discomfort. Straps should be fitted properly, and the top of the backpack should NOT separate from your body to hang back—it should be flush with your back. Consider a chest strap for heavier loads, which will keep the backpack on your shoulders and prevent it from sliding to the side. You want the backpack to sit up high and not rest down around the waist because of loose shoulder straps.
For higher elevations, consume more carbohydrate-dense foods and fewer fats and proteins. Carbohydrates require less oxygen for energy production. At higher elevations it is important to conserve as much oxygen as possible.
Plan ahead. Know what the terrain and weather will be like. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes with traction depending on the terrain and weather. Using hiking poles on inclines is a fantastic way to exercise the upper body while reducing strain on the hip and knee joints and muscles.4
In short, if you want to improve your physical and mental health while having fun, just take a hike!
Written by Mary Brown, DC, ACA Council on Nutrition, with contributions from Tom Hyde, DC.
References
Sleiman, SF et al. Exercise promotes the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through the action of the ketone body B-hydroxybutyrate. Elife, 2016; 5:e15092. https://elifesciences.org/articles/15092.
Atchley RA, Strayer DL, Atchley P. Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning Through Immersion in Natural Settings. PLoS ONE, 2012; 7(12): e51474.
Robinson KM. How Hiking Is Good for Body and Mind. WebMD Magazine, 2013. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/hiking-body-mind.
Friday Health Plans. Why Is Hiking So Freaking Good for You? April 16, 2019. Accessed June 7, 2020. https://www.fridayhealthplans.com/hiking-is-so-good-for-you/.
Additional Resources
“Day Hiking Checklist,” REI.com, https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2020.
“Hiking Gear List – Advice and Recommendations For A Multi-day Trek,” MountainIQ.com, https://www.mountainiq.com/resources/hiking-gear-list/. Accessed Oct. 26, 2020.
“The Multi-year Hiking Packing List,” The Adventure Junkies, https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/hiking-packing-list/. Accessed Oct. 26, 2020.
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-on-blond-haired-woman-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-carrying-a-baby-on-her-back-701016/