subject: Hiking For Fitness In Body And Mind [print this page] First of all, you don't have to be Superman or Superwoman to go hiking. Far from it, but you do need the desire and it needs to be taken in slow steps to begin with. It is a recreation that leaves you healthy, de-stressed and content. But here are some hiking tips for beginners.
Start off with a walk around your town, say two miles in the hiking equipment you intend to use. If you start with a 5 or 6 mile hike over hills, you may be surprised how unfit you really are. One problem you may encounter is cramps to the leg muscles, and they're not nice when you're 5 miles from home! Build up to hill walking over a couple of weeks; get your muscles prepared for a little extra exertion. Hiking is the next stage from a walk or ramble, but walking for fitness is truly recommended. You will be surprised that a smart 30 minute walk a day will not only build your muscles in the right places, but will also go a long way to helping you lose weight (if you need to that is).
After the initial try-out of a few miles around your town or a swift walk to work and back you will be ready for your first proper hike. Try finding an area close by that has a few inclines, or hills. Make sure you're happy with your boots or shoes and that you feel confident you can make a 5 miler without discomfort and blistering. A good hike can be blissful or an absolute misery if your feet are in distress.
Take your time, take in the views and the feeling of being alone and doing something that will clear your mind and keep you fit. I do most of my positive thinking when wandering on some off beaten track. It's also a great way to forget about things back home or at work if things are hectic. Worries disappear when you're hiking.
As mentioned earlier, walking is a great way to lose weight and helps relax your mind. Hiking also put things into perspective when all you've got to worry about is where that lonely trail leads to or whether it's time to put on another layer, or take one off for that matter. Hiking is also addictive and you will find yourself looking at bigger, longer and more difficult hikes that will challenge your walking and hiking skills.
Before long you may even think about going further afield, such as another Country or taking a challenge like the 3 peaks in Yorkshire, UK of the famous, bigger 3 peaks that take in Snowdonia in Wales, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Ben Nevis in Scotlandall in 24 hours!
So you can see, from little acorns do mighty oaks grow. From walking into town to climbing the biggest mountain in the British Isles. It's something to aim for. I started with the need to lose weight many years ago and completed the bigger 3 peaks in 22 and a half hours. It was a marvellous feeling and I've never looked back. Start today, get some good boots and take in a hike!
