Take a Hike for Health
It's no secret that studies have proven for years that consistent
exercise and good mental health result in a person enjoying a longer,
healthier life. Unfortunately, only about 15% of the United States
population exercises regularly- probably because the perception of
exercise is that it has to be long, and boring and take place at the
gym to offer the abundance of health and mental benefits. Walking is a
wonderful form of exercise, and it can be very enjoyable when you
combine it with getting your dog out for some air and exercise, or
spending time walking through a scenic park.
Hiking offers many health benefits, both physical and emotional.
From helping people lose excess pounds, to preventing heart disease,
lowering blood pressure, and even improving overall mental health.
Hiking at an average, comfortable speed of 2 miles per hour will help a
150 pound individual to burn 250 calories in as little as an hour.
One of the main causes of heart disease is inactivity. The Center
for Disease control has shown among numerous studies that people who
increase their activity levels consistently reduce their chances of
having heart problems. Hiking can reduce the potential of having heart
problems, as well as reduce cholesterol levels, which is another common
cause of heart disease.
In a study conducted by a physician of several individuals with high
blood pressure, it was found that the individuals were not doing much
in the way of exercising. Rather than prescribe medicine to lower the
blood pressure, which is the typical means of treatment, the doctor had
the individuals participate in a ten week, moderate exercise program of
walking thirty minutes at a time, for four days each week. At the end
of the study, the blood pressure of each individual had dropped
dramatically. Hiking is the perfect form of walking, as you can hike
relatively flat trails for beginners or light exercise, and then
increase your activity level by hiking inclined trails and mountainous
terrain.
Depression and stress are factors in many people's lives. Often,
severe levels are treated with medication, but did you know that hiking
can typically achieve the same results? When you are walking, the human
brain produces endorphines, which are actually a natural form of
tranquilizers. Exercise has also been shown to release adrenaline,
which is what the body creates in response to danger- whether it is a
real danger, or something that is just perceived by the individual to
be dangerous. When adrenaline isn't released from the body, it causes
muscle tension and anxiety- both things that contribute to poor mental
health over long periods of time. Hiking can release the adrenaline and
help you feel better, and contribute to better overall mental health.
Did you know hiking can help reduce the effects of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that often is found in older women, and
is a result of not having enough calcium to keep the bones strong and
healthy. Hiking, and walking in general, is able to slow the rate at
which calcium is lost from the body, helps increase the density of
bones, and helps to strengthen bones. In addition, arthritis is
improved by consistent hiking. Because of the pain associated with
arthritis, many people lower their activity levels. Unfortunately, the
less you use your joints, the faster and worse the arthritis will
become, so it's actually better to increase your exercise, and include
hiking and walking to help keep your joints loose and reduce the
effects of arthritis.
Hiking is a terrific activity that can increase your overall health.
It's an extremely versatile activity, that allows you to change your
scenary, get fresh air, and increase or decrease the intensity of the
exercise as needed without purchasing different equipment or expensive
memberships to the gym.
This article has been provided courtesy of Hiking Town. Hiking Town offers great selection of hiking articles available for reprint and other tools to help you get the best bargain on hiking equipment and more.
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