About
Things to know
Hiking can be defined in many different ways. Some could say hiking is a long walk usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. It can also be defined as walking in nature as a recreational activity. I like to define it as walking for pleasure with a added bonus benefits of exercise and mental therapy. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century. In some cultures, religious pilgrimages have existed much longer, but they involve walking extended distances for a spiritual purpose associated with personal beliefs. Some of the well-known varieties of hiking are day hikes, long-distance hikes, and peak bagging. These three hiking methods come with different levels of physical challenges that can range from easy, moderate, or challenging depending on your comfort levels. Day hiking is one of the easier hikes. This is one of the most popular hikes that can be done with family and friends. Many people like to hike to waterfalls or rivers for a day of fun in the sun. The next is Long-distance hikes. This type of hiking can test your physical endurance and the ability to travel lengthy distances on foot. Normally the distance can be a minimum of 30 miles. This is for a more experienced hiker. The last of the three is Peak Bagging this is an activity in which hikers and climbers attempt to reach a group of summits some of these come from publicized lists. This is for your more expert hikers with lots of training for their safety.
The Inventors
All over the globe, people like to walk for pleasure or work depending on their circumstances of life. Some Native American males were known to take spiritual walks or vision quests as a rite of passage as they came into the age of adulthood. The earliest account of hiking come from a poet named Francesco Petrarca in 1366 along with his brother Gherardo traveled to the southern part of France to Mont Ventoux also known as "Windy Peak" for the vicious winds. Petrarca is the first man documented as a founder of hiking who is said to have climbed a mountain just for the experience. He said his inspiration was “the desire to see the unusual height of this piece of earth by sight.”
Health and Physical Benefits
Depending on what type of trails you choose to take pleasure in the journey alone can help your health. This type of adventure can increase your heart rate and create an amazing cardio workout with scenery. Hiking can be a full body workout that helps manage your weight by reducing body fat and helping you build muscles. This can also Improving your sense of balance and decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems Cardio activities like hiking can assist with decreasing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Being able to walk in the sunshine provides the body with vitamin D, which helps improve overall sleep patterns and boost immunity which helps prevent sickness.
Mental benefits
Walking in nature can also have the psychological benefits of relaxation and improve your health. Hiking can improve the overall health of your mind, body and spirit. Taking a walk offers psychological benefits, a feeling of relaxation, and improved well-being. Being surrounded by clear blue skies and beautiful green trees can create a therapeutic environment that reduces stress. Day-to-day life can be overwhelming being able to take a moment to just enjoy nothing, but everything can be an amazing experience.
