Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get outdoors and take a hike just for the health of it. Get out of the gym and the Pilates studio and go experience fresh clean air, spectacular scenery and a healthy fit body. I feel healthy just thinking about it. I can think of no better way to stay healthy and fit than to participate in my favorite activity- hiking in the great outdoors. What makes hiking so great is that I never have to talk myself into it and it’s free! More and more people are taking to the trails to stay fit because the tough economic times that we find ourselves in make seeking out inexpensive activities a necessity. You don’t have to go to an expensive gym to stay healthy and fit, just find the nearest trail. It can be a trail in an urban park near you or a wilderness area. Just hike where you feel comfortable. Anyone can do it even if you are a complete beginner, and no matter what level of fitness you are starting at.

People have been hiking for centuries and it has been widely held that hiking provides excellent health and fitness benefits. I know from experience that hiking can be fantastic for strength and endurance, both aerobic and muscular endurance. Some of the most incredible fitness athletes are mountaineers or adventure racers. However, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy the benefits of hiking. Start at your level and go at your own pace but hike regularly and your strength and endurance for hiking will improve after every time out.

Research has shown that hiking has great health and fitness benefits. It’s no surprise that hiking uphill provides the best workout and provides the the greatest fitness improvement but downhill hiking actually has surprising benefits as well. Hiking makes you stronger, helps you lose weight and lowers your stress. It also doesn’t surprise me that studies have also shown that hiking improves mental and emotional health. I always feel uplifted and rejuvenated when I am in the wilderness, away from the hustle, bustle and noise of the city. Life just seems to slow down, the stress of life disappears and you just get to enjoy nature and the beauty of God’s creation.

Hiking just for the health of it is certainly not new but it is an activity whose time has come. I believe that more and more people will be taking to the trails for health and fitness. See you out on the trail.