The Specifics of Hiking Health Benefits
Improves Cardiovascular Health: Statistics show that one person in five suffers from one form or another of cardiovascular disease, and one in every 2.6 deaths is ultimately attributed to it. In the United States alone, at least 64 million Americans are suffering from some form of heart disease, the most common of which are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke. Hiking and other forms of aerobic exercise has been encouraged for those who are suffering from cardiovascular problems. In fact, studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control have shown that people who do not exercise regularly are more likely to develop coronary heart disease. In addition, it has been proven that even the slightest physical activity done on a regular basis can lower blood pressure.
Improves Respiratory Health: Hiking can also help in improving the respiratory system especially the lungs. People who live in urban areas have no choice but to live in an environment where the air is polluted and this translates to an unhealthy congestion in the lungs. Going out hiking in the hills or mountains would take you away from all the pollution and actually allow you to breathe in air that is clean and fresh.
Improves Bone Health: Women suffering from osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases have to exercise in order to keep their bones from becoming too brittle due to inactivity. Through hiking, the bone density increases and the rate of calcium loss slows down which, in turn, slows down the deterioration of the bones.
Improves Muscle Strength and Fitness: We are all aware that exercise helps build up muscles strength and endurance. Hiking, in particular, strengthens the muscles in the legs. This becomes particularly helpful among people suffering from arthritis and other joint pains because they will be able to handle the pain better.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels: In order to combat the negative effects of cholesterol in the blood, a lifestyles with more activity, such as hiking, is needed to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. That means increasing the levels of "good" cholesterol in order to prevent the "bad" cholesterol from building up and clogging the artery walls, which could then lead to cardiovascular and other health problems. In a recent study, it was purported that hiking is very good stabilizer of cholesterol levels.
Regulates Weight Levels: Many people also resort to various exercises in order to lose weight and then keep it down. Hiking is a great exercise for just that purpose. A woman who weighs 150 lbs can burn as much as 240 calories per hour of moderate hiking. If she increases her pace, tackles a more challenging trail, or carries a heavier backpack, she will reach up to 413 calories per hour. In a study conducted in Texas, women who resort to hiking to control their weight, maintained easier their fitness.
Improves Mental and Emotional Health: Men and women who suffer from depression can turn to hiking in order to improve their overall disposition. The great outdoors with the beauty and soothing power of nature will calm them down from the rigors and pressure of city life. Also, the body will release its natural tranquilizers, "endorphins", which they will relax them immediately. Even people who suffer from insomnia and other sleeping disorders find that they can improve their sleeping habits by hiking.
Lower Risks of Diabetes: When the body produces less insulin, a man or a woman can experience some complications. Since physical inactivity and obesity are two of the main contributory factors of diabetes, it is important that you exercise regular. Through hiking, sufferers of Type I diabetes will be able to reduce the amount of insulin their body needs, while Type II diabetics can actually reverse the effects of the disease.
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