The next time someone tells you (hopefully in jest) to go take a hike, you should take them up on it. Why? For one thing, hiking is a fun and easy way to burn calories for weight loss and/or to get in shape. As well, you can enjoy some much-needed time outdoors when hiking. The change of scenery, combined with the beauty of nature and some fresh air, helps lift your mood while you're losing weight.
Along with weight loss, hiking offers these other amazing health benefits:
- Hiking reduces stress and anxiety.
- Exercise in any form reduces your risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Hiking and walking can increase your bone density. Having higher bone density lowers your risk of having osteoporosis.
- Hiking proves to improve your sleep.
- Hiking and walking keep your cardiorespiratory system healthy.
- Hiking regularly helps strengthen and tone your entire body.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers:
- To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix)
- To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
- To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
- Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/
The number of calories you burn by hiking depends on variables such as where you hike, how fast you move, and the amount of time you spend hiking. For example, hiking in a hilly or mountainous area requires you to expend more energy (and burn more calories) than you would on a flatter surface. No matter where, how fast, or how often, you're going to feel better and notice results from hiking.
So, are you ready to "take a hike"? When you're first starting out, all you need to do is make sure you have appropriate shoes that fit well and have a good grip. It's also wise to bring water along to keep you hydrated. The next step is to find an area for hiking and conquer it. Continue increasing your pace, and also try swinging and pumping your arms, once you start getting comfortable. Keep challenging yourself to hike faster and longer, but remember to enjoy the views and have fun.
Related resources:
FitDay How You Can Lose Weight and Burn Calories by Hiking
LIVESTRONG Will Hiking Three Times a Week Help You Lose Weight?
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: