Go Hike Yourself!

Hiking. When you hear the word, what images are conjured in your mind? Perhaps a gorp-munching, straggly beard, hipster-guy with a fanny pack? (Not that there is anything wrong with that. If we all looked the same, this would be a supremely boring place.) Maybe you think hiking is for people who cannot or do not wish to participate in more intense or competitive activities. If you don't like to hike and think it is for sissies, then keep reading because I will dispel that notion quickly and with "a thousand points of light." Okay, maybe not a thousand points but I will provide good reasons why this activity should be included in your exercise routine at least once a month. Let's get started!

1. CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS Wouldn't it be nice to NOT be out of breath after climbing a couple flights of stairs? What if you HAD to do it? What if your life (or a loved one's) depended on it? Hiking can help get you there and it is lower impact that other modes of cardiovascular exercise (and LESS BORING). Sure, cross-country skiing and Greco-Roman Wrestling will boost your body's ability to use oxygen, but what if you're a 55 year-old postal worker in Alabama? Chances are you won't be interested (or equipped) in those activities on a regular basis.

2. NATURE CONNECTION Some of the best memories I have were made OUTSIDE. What will I remember more when I'm 80? That Halo game I played at 2am where I had 20 kills and only 2 deaths? Or the time I backpacked with friends and saw one of the brightest meteors ever in a clear, night sky on a mountaintop? I think you know the answer. Have you ever smelled a pine forest after a rain shower? Did you know this can actually lower your blood pressure? Hiking will develop a better connection with yourself and your environment.

3. FAMILY ACTIVITY My son just had his 5-year old check-up and the doctor asked this question, "How much 'screen time' does he get?" Huh? Was this even a question when we were kids in the 1980's? Get outside. Go play in the woods with your kids. Build a fort. Take them hiking. You can even work in some science lessons during the hike and play games where your children learn to identify plants and animals. So turn off the iPad/tablet/computer/TV/Kindle and hit the trail with little Joe and Suzy! (Photo below is junior at one of the largest trees in Georgia.)

4. WEIGHT LOSS Where do I start? I will try to keep this simple: if you expend more calories than you consume, you lose weight. I am a firm believer in a balanced approach to weight loss (strength, cardio, nutrition, flexibility, and rest). Hiking falls under the "cardio" aspect of weight loss. Here are some stats for a 175 lb. person engaging in several popular types of activities with a 60-minute duration. Running a 10 minute/mile pace: 833 calories. Brisk walking: 320 calories. Cycling (moderate intensity): 660 calories. Hiking (no pack): 500 calories. Hiking with a 20 lb. pack? Then you're going to expend an additional 60 calories. Hiking in mountainous terrain? Expect to burn over 600 calories per hour.

5. IMPROVED PERFORMANCE I will start with a personal testimony. In 2011 I ran several races from a 5K to the Pikes Peak Ascent (13.32 miles). I incorporated more fast hiking during the pre-season and finished the year with 5K and 15K personal bests! Physiologically, walking on uneven/hilly terrain challenges your musculoskeletal system in ways jogging or swimming cannot. Add a set of trekking poles and now you're working the body from top to bottom; think of it as cross-country skiing without the snow. Still think hiking is for sissies? The U.S. Army Rangers don't think so. Their "hikes" are called "ruck marches" and the Ranger candidate must complete a 16-mile "hike" in about 5 hours. Oh yeah, each candidate also carries a 65 lb. pack.

Are you super-stoked to take a hike now? GREAT! Before you head out into the wilds, do 15 minutes of prep work. Check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear shoes with good lateral support; if you don't have hiking shoes/boots, then cross-trainers or tennis shoes would actually be better than running shoes for the lateral stability. I also like to pack a pocket-sized first aid kit. Most importantly, take water; my personal rule is 16 ounces per hour of hiking in easy to moderate conditions. See you out on the trail! Check out your local state parks web site or www.nps.gov to get started.