Health Benefits Of Hiking
Abstract
A hobby is more than just something that you do in your leisure time. It is something that you make time to do and look forward to doing. Insurmountable pleasure and relaxation can be obtained from doing something that you consider fun to do. It can be described as creative, fascinating, practical, inexpensive, enjoyable, different or unusual.
Evaluate the benefits of pursuing a specific hobby
Hobby is described as a regular activity that is done for pleasure. Common misconceptions about hobbies are that some think that hobbies or recreations are just for people who live a relaxed life or people who have been retired and have time on their hands, while others believe that hobbies are just a waste of time.
On the other hand, people with full, busy, even stressful lives can benefit from hobbies just as much if not more than the average person. I would like to explorer specifically the benefits of pursuing a hobby like hiking.
For people who find it uncomfortable to run or job, walking is a great form of cardio that burns about 240 calories an hour! There are a wide variety of hiking trails. Many people in my community take up walking early in the morning and sometimes late evenings. I would like to briefly discuss the benefits of pursing hiking as a hobby. There are many definitions for the word hiking. Hiking in Canada and the USA is the preferred term for a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails, in the countryside, while the word “walking” is used for shorter, particularly urban walks. Another source gave the meaning to hiking as “In its most basic definition, Hiking is simply Walking for recreational purposes. A good summary is: “In Hiking, the Journey is more important that the Destination. The Encyclopedia Britannica from Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service: Walking as a recreational activity and sport. Among those with sedentary occupations, hiking is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient, and requires no special equipment.
Because the hiker can walk as far as he wants, there is not physical strain unless he walks among hills or mountains. I am sure we could find many definition for the word hiking, but despite the many variations derives from this word “hiking” they all have to do with some form of walking. Hiking is one of the most sought out hobbies in what world today and is used in academic and professional sports organizations around the world. Our US military and police forces use this hobby as a part of their routine training for fitness and training purposes. I remember my first experience hiking to the top of the tallest mountain in Jamaica West Indies. I was only 16 years of age, just a boy trying out this new adventure called hiking. My self and 14 other boys hike to the mountain top of the tallest mountain in St. Andrew, Jamaica known as the Blue Mountain Peak. Its elevation is 7,402 (2,256 m) It was breath taking to see this creation, to see different mountains overlapping each other, to hear and see different types of birds that are not usually seen in the city, to see the different plants and trees, hills and valleys in this cold elevated piece of Jamaica.
This was an adventure of a life time I cannot forget. It would have been an experience that would have shaped my life forever and have taught me courage, bravery, it has also fostered closer and stronger relationship the scout brothers. In my research I have discovered that hiking is not just a hobby or a form of recreational interest or just another activity, but it also can lower your risk of colon and breast cancer, and possibly lung and endometrial cancer. Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 times a week can lower your risk pf breast cancer by 30- 50 percent. In addition to this, it is good to know that you can turn hiking into a healthy habit! Hiking releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can decrease tension, anxiety, and blood pressure levels. This can reduce risk of depression and will leave you feeling better physically and mentally, which will encourage you to continue your new healthy habits. Studies have shown that exercising during and after treatment with people with cancer can benefits these patients in several ways, ranging from improved fitness and higher quality of life to reduced rates of recurrence and a longer life. Cancer patients who exercise may experience less nausea and less fatigue. It’s never too late to use exercise to fight cancer.
If you’re coping with cancer or its aftermath, now is the time! Hiking offers additional health benefits such as: lowering your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, boosts bone density, since walking is a weight-bearing exercise, build strength in your gluteus, quadriceps, hamstrings, and muscles in your hips and lower legs, it helps to control your weight, strengthen your core and boost your mood. Research have shown that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety. In conclusion, based on the benefits highlighted above, hobbies is shown to have a rewarding outcome. When people think about Hiking, they mostly think of nature, the great outdoors, a backpack and a tent.
For most people, Hiking is an escape back to nature and a great way to get a good workout while forgetting all about the day to day hassles of city life. Why should you do hiking? Hiking is a great body exercise which will realty improve your overall physical condition. The natural waling motion provides you with a relatively low impact but effective workout. In its easiest form, Hiking is a very safe walk using clearly defined trails. Many people take a walk to clear their heads or to think about issues. Hiking could be a way of relaxing or something that can test your own capabilities and foster relationships with people who share the same types of recreational interest.
