Introduction
Many people face health challenges due to inadequate physical exercise across the globe. As a result, activities such as nature walks and hiking have been seen as a remedy to the aforementioned problem. For instance, imagine the therapeutic nature of walking through a forest with tree branches creaking, leaves rustling, and insects chirping as birds sing while heading to the height of a nearby valley. This not only rejuvenates the body but also, makes one physically fit. As such, hiking is seen as an intervention that is cost-effective and encourages people to be active as they spend time in nature (Mitten et al., 2018). This paper delves into hiking by highlighting the experience and its benefits.
Hiking Experience
Among the most enjoyable and fascinating outdoor activities, one can enjoy is a walk in the wilderness; passing through mountains, forests, and national parks. Hiking is a physical act of walking outdoors in a natural terrain characterized by tree roots and rocks where one has to navigate around them (Mitten et al., 2018). Moreover, an individual does not only exercise physically but also, experiences nature in its beauty and glory. Furthermore, scenes such as dense woodlands, lakeshores with scenic dunes, and snow mountains are the natural wonders one sees while on a walk.
In addition, hiking is a venture that does not require any preparation compared to other outdoor activities that require one to have a first aid kit, lunch, and water. Therefore, the only requirement for an individual is marginal fitness to walk for five or ten minutes in the outside environment. Despite one’s age, a walk in the wilderness is the scenery and something that ought not to be missed given the opportunity one gets to observe nature and its worldly wonders. According to Mitten et al., (2018), there are many health benefits that accrue from walking through nature and coming into contact with the environment while participating in physical activities. This restores emotional and mental health while increasing one’s social contacts.
Benefits of Hiking
The main purpose of the outdoors is to be both physically and mentally fit. Moreover, communing with nature has numerous benefits for a person. For instance, constant hiking enhances cardiovascular health as it strengthens heart muscles as well as stamina (Mitten et al., 2018).
In addition, exposure to the constant supply of fresh air that is devoid of pollution plays an important role in easing lung illness. Conversely, research shows that there are many inactive people around the globe with 43% of the US population being sedentary and the largest in the world (Mitten et al., 2018). Further, inadequate physical exercise has been attributed to numerous fatal challenges. For instance, 5.3 million premature deaths occur globally due to sedentary or physical inactivity (Mitten et al., 2018). Consequently, hiking has become a prerequisite for addressing the aforementioned health risks. Furthermore, nature walks lead to decreased blood pressure, reduced stress levels, restored attention, and enhanced immune system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of body movement has resulted in sedentary which has led to health challenges. On the contrary, spending time in natural settings results in health benefits such as mental and physical wellness. Further, hiking is seen as the best and appropriate solution to health risks because it is accessible and requires limited equipment, skills and, a person can decide or pick the terrain and the speed of walking.
Reference
Mitten, D., Overholt, J. R., Haynes, F. I., D’Amore, C. C., & Ady, J. C. (2018). Hiking: A low-cost, accessible intervention to promote health benefits. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(4), 302-310. Web.