The hiking is one of the sports easy to perform, this because all you need is a pair of boots or sneakers and a place outside the city. There is nothing better than going out to get some fresh air to break our daily routines , which we mostly do indoors.

Walking outdoors has benefits for our mental and physical health, much greater than we commonly believe. Whether you take a light walk or a difficult climb, the benefits of doing so will always be present.

Being outdoors is good for our mental health

According to recent studies, people living in cities have higher levels snowyof depression , anxiety and other mental illnesses than those living in rural areas. A study published in 2015 discovered that walking in a wooded area , not only improved the mental health of the person , but also that an area of ​​our brain linked with depression had less activity. This was compared to a group walked in the city and they realized that there was no improvement in their mental aspect.  

Subsequent studies showed that hiking regularly can help reduce stress and even improve memory.

Cardiovascular exercise.

In addition to improving mental health , walking is very good for physical health . One of the most obvious benefits is physical condition. The inclination associated with walking is what makes it so good, the more inclined the more blood your heart will pump. With better cardiovascular condition, you will enjoy a lower risk of high blood pressure, drowning, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes .

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate cardiovascular exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise.   With a good walk a week, you could meet these recommendations.

Improvement in the muscular condition.

Hiking is a weight-lifting exercise, and with each step down the slope, you engage some of the largest muscles in your body : glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. Every time you take your body along the way, those muscles work continuously. 

Because it is necessary to stay hydrated and energized, if your walk is longer than a couple of kilometers, you are likely to carry a backpack. An extra benefit of loading supplies is that loading a backpack will force your abdomen to maintain balance and stability, this means that you will do abdomen and back exercises without even doing an abdominal!

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Walk as a cross exercise

Whether you are a runner looking for climbs or a weightlifter who wants to improve your stability, the walk is a great exercise to add to your routine. It is important because this can reduce risks of injury, control your weight and make the exercise more interesting.

For long distance runners, the climbs is a mandatory exercise. Walking is a good way to exercise the same muscles you use when running uphill, having a cardio workout , and something a little different than usual.

Stay safe

Regardless of your physical ability or the degree of difficulty of your hiking, always be prepared for emergencies. Take with you basic supplies such as water, snacks and an emergency kit. For longer walks, be prepared with extra clothes and emergency shelter options, just in case. Enjoy the way and the landscapes, connect with nature, have a good exercise and always take your trash with you!

Enjoy your country

In Mexico there are countless landscapes to enjoy, the best way to do it is by walking them. From glaciers to more than 5 thousand meters high, waterfalls , cenotes to dunes in deserts . If you are interested in doing so, there are many groups that you can join, it’s just a matter of cheering you up, happy hikes!

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Author

Soy un amante de las actividades al aire libre. Desde pequeño me educaron para respetar la naturaleza y aprovecharla, he hecho de todo pero lo que me gusta más es el alpinismo, trail run (ultramaratones) y kitesurf. Inicie como co'fundador de LocalAdventures por que quiero compartir todos estos buenos momentos que he pasado, con personas que lo quieren hacer pero no saben como.

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