Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in the natural environments, often hiking trails. Hiking can be a great way to escape the monotony of the gym and get a heart-pumping workout. There are many benefits of hiking. The most common benefits are:
- Weight loss
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Helps prevent osteoporosis by improving bone destiny
- Relieves back pain.
- It doesn't cost much.
Hiking Etiquette
When two groups of hikers meet on a steep trail, there may be contention for use of the trail. To avoid conflict, a custom has developed in some areas whereby the group moving uphill has the right of way. In other situations, the larger of the two groups will usually yield to the smaller.
Being forced to hike much faster or slower than one's natural pace can be annoying, and difficult to maintain consistently. More seriously, walking unnaturally fast dramatically increases fatigue and exhaustion, and may cause injury. If a group splits between fast and slow hikers, the slow hikers may be left behind or become lost. A common custom is to encourage the slowest hiker to hike in the lead and have everyone match that speed. Another custom is to have experienced hiker sweep up the rear on a rota, to ensure that everyone in the group is safe and nobody straggles.
Hikers often enjoy the silence and solitude of their surroundings. Loud sounds, such as shouting or loud conversation, disrupt this enjoyment. Some hikers purposely avoid loud sounds, out of deference to other hikers.
Tips for hiking
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks to prevent your feet from blistering.
- Be careful when hiking up and down hills-Hiking up and down hills and mountains requires care, especially on slopes covered with loose gravel or loose dirt.
- Keep your knees bent and use side-stepping maneuvers when hiking on steep parts.
- Use a hiking stick or hiking poles- A hiking stick or even a pair of hiking poles will give you an extra stability.
- Take your time- When you ascend to higher elevations the air is thinner and has less oxygen.
- Be careful when crossing streams- Rocks and debris in the streams can be very slippery and hazardous.
- Bring your own water-Water running over rocks is not safe in most areas. The water may be contaminated with parasites or bacteria. If you plan to drink water from a stream, use a water filter or water purification tablets.
- Dress in layers- The weather can change dramatically. Dressing in layers will help ensure you maintain the proper body temperature.
- Do not leave your trash behind.
- Join a hiking group
