If you are feeling burned out or stressed, you might just need a
reinvigorating hike in the mountains. Getting in touch with Mother Nature is a
great way to recharge your batteries. The
best way to stay safe on a hiking trip is to plan and prepare in advance. You
usually don’t wake up one morning and decide you want to go hiking today. If
you do, you could most certainly end up in trouble. Here are a couple of hiking
tips you can use:
Research
Before you pack your bags and head off into the mountains, you
should know what to expect. The National Park Service, the National Wildlife
Foundation, and Backpacker Magazine are great sources for finding hiking spots
around the country. Pick a place and research about it. Check for marked trails
and how far they go. Check the level of elevation and climatic conditions of
the place before going. Being prepared is the key to enjoying a great hike in
the woods or the mountains.
Get in Shape
You will need to be in shape
before going on a hike. Your body needs to be
prepared for climbing, walking and moving in a specific way. Beginner
hikers should start walking outdoors for a mile or two at first, and then
increase this distance to around five miles while carrying a backpack. A simple way to get ready for your first hike is
to leave the car home and take a backpack and go walking to the grocery store.
Walking to and fro from the store with a backpack full of groceries will
simulate how hiking challenges both muscle strength and cardiovascular
endurance.
Weight Training
Since you will be using your legs a lot on a hike, it is
important to start a weight training routine to improve your core muscles. You
will need to work with exercises that help build up strength in your joints.
Daniel Hindman enjoys hiking with his friends in the mountainsaround Colorado Springs.
