Good Lifestyle

While summer gives way to the fall, the cooler time and the shooting sheets make a particularly invigorating and picturesque hike. And while your pleasure is all the reason why you need hit the trails , experts say that there are many more important advantages to take a walking in nature - Many what you might not expect. Wondering what you are winning? Read the rest to learn the 13 most incredible advantages of hiking that will motivate you to move.

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13 advantages of hiking

1. Anxiety reduction

Hiking is ideal for your physical health and your physical form, but experts say that the mental health benefits are just as impressive. In particular, walking outside has proven to be effective to help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

"In today's world, we spend most of our time inside with an increase in screen time, which has a direct and negative impact on our mental well-being and our stress," explains Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller , MD, FACOG, ABOIM, doctor, author and chief medical advisor for Alltrail . "Doing the little effort to reconnect with the outside world can make all the difference in the way you feel anxiety and depression."

2. Improved immune system

Your immune system also wins regular hikes, says Hackenmiller.

"It is not only stress that can be improved by investing outside time, you can also help your immune system by inhaling the immune boosting phytoncides emitted by trees and plants," she explains . "These have been noted to increase our number and our activity of natural killer cells (NK) to help fight against bacteria and viruses."

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3. Better Central Force

If you are looking to build a muscular and central strength, the hike will take you faster than the ordinary walking in the street or a treadmill, says Andrew White , a certified personal coach and the owner of Gym Pro garage .

"Hiking is not to walk. Undo-climbing, climbing uphill and navigation in the trails give you a complete body training," he explains. "This means that you work not only on your legs, but also you engage your nucleus and strengthen smaller stabilizing muscles. Over time, you will find a better muscle tone and an increase in endurance."

4. Improved memory and cognitive health

If you hope to keep your mind bright as you get older, one of the best things you can do is get regular physical activity. In particular, the hike has proven to promote better memory and better cognitive health, explains Hackenmiller.

"Exterior walking has proven to have many positive effects on memory and global cognitive function. In fact, studies have shown that even for a 20 minutes on foot , whether in an urban setting or a Verd space Better life .

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5. Improved cardiovascular health

Hiking is also a great way to improve your heart health. In fact, a 2014 study on men with a group of cardiac risk factors known as metabolic syndrome revealed that three weeks of regular daily hiking at different elevation levels Improvement of their risk profile .

"Hiking implies sustained physical activity that increases your heart rate and helps improve cardiovascular health. Elevation changes and varied terrain stimulate the heart and lungs, improving endurance and reducing the risk of heart disease", explain Mary -llen Sabat , MS, RDN, LD, the nutritionist and the ACE certified trainer behind Body designs by Mary .

6. Weight management and weight loss

This same study noted that the subjects underwent an average weight loss of almost seven pounds after three weeks of daily hiking. This and Other research suggests that hikes are a great way to maintain healthy weight.

"The hike burns calories at a regular rate, which makes it an effective way to ... Supporting the weight loss goals. The longer the hike, the more you can burn calories," says Sabat.

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7. Better sleep

Another incredible advantage of hiking is that it can improve the duration and quality of your sleep. Hackenmiller highlights a 2020 study which found people who had a greater exposure to "green space" or areas with nature and vegetation, reported a better sleep Compared to people who have spent more time in urban or built parameters.

"In addition to that, in a 2015 study, adults who took 90 -minute walk in the wild have reported less "rumination" or residence on negative and stressful thoughts than those who walked in urban areas, "notes the doctor.

8. Lower risk of seasonal emotional disorders

Seasonal emotional disorder (SAD) is a form of depression directly linked to changes in the seasons that affect our exposure to daylight. Hackenmiller says that people who go hiking can be more at risk for this particular mental health. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"A relevant study noted that when patients with TAD were treated with a daily morning walk outside, their depression score decreased by 50% after a week of morning walks and exposure to natural light ", sharing -She .

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9. Improved balance

According to centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), three million older adults are Treaty in emergency services For fall injuries each year. Hiking can improve your balance, which can ultimately lead to a lower risk of falling injury as you age.

"The hike works on several muscle groups, improving strength and stability. The hike improves your hips and your nucleus, which help you sail in uneven terrain," explains Louise Hateley , physiotherapist and director of In Stride Health Clinic . "However, your balance will not be put in the same test on each hiking track. As your hiking skills improve, try traces with cloveer ascents and descents or more unequal terrain such as roots and rocks. "

10. Increase in vitamin D levels

Hiking can also provide an essential vitamin D by exposing your skin to the direct sun. "Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunity and general well-being," said Sabat.

However, it is important to note that you should always take precautions to protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer by regularly applying a high SPF sunscreen.

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11. Better bone density

Another way that hike can improve your bone health is to increase your bone density. In fact, a study in 2022 published in the journal Plos a found this walking volume was a key determinant of bone mineral density (DMO) in premenopausal women.

"Walking is a beam exercise, which means that it helps prevent the loss of bone density. This can be particularly beneficial as we age and that our bones tend to become more fragile," explains White.

12. Social connection

Hiking can be particularly beneficial when you make a group activity. "The construction of relationships and the benefit of shared experiences in the wild can reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental health," says Sabat.

The CDC underlines that the advantages of social connectivity Go beyond your mental health: "Social connections are important for our survival. Our relationships with our family, friends, colleagues and community members can have a major impact on our health and well-being. When people are socially connected and stable and favorable relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and have better mental and physical health results. "

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13. Lower mortality in all causes

There is one last way that the hike is bearing fruit - and it easily exceeds the rest. The research suggests that when you push your number of steps higher, your risk of mortality all causes decreases. In other words, walking can be a key to longevity.

A recent study published in the European Preventive Cardiology Journal find Particularly convincing results . Although they have noted that you will start to see health benefits at only 3,867 stages, they stressed that for each additional 1,000 stages, the subjects added to their daily routines, their risk of dying for whatever reason that It is decreased by 15% shocking.

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