All About Hiking
Hiking is Nature's Therapy
The day-to-day lifestyle of the urban modern-day worker can become repetitive with stimulating thoughts, worries, responsibilities, and obligations. Sometimes it can get hard to quiet the mind and think clearly. Sometimes we forget. Nature can be the way to finding silence and clarity, and hiking, the key to getting there.
Hiking outdoors is a great way to feel the benefits of what nature has to offer with plenty of perks like nice views, fresh air, and soothing sounds and smells of nature. Research has shown that physical activity may help prevent chronic disease, early death, and improve mental health and wellbeing.
One great way to potentially improve your health and to reduce chances of developing health concerns is to get outside and TAKE A HIKE!
Hiking Tips to Get Started:
Start slow. A short, local hike is best for beginners. Gradually work up to trails with hills or uneven terrain.
Know before you go. Familiarize yourself with the trail map. Check the weather and prepare accordingly. If weather conditions are bad, rethink your plan. Be certain to always follow marked paths and trails.
Head for the hills. Even a small hill will intensify your heart rate and burn extra calories.
Bump it up. Uneven terrain can work muscles while improving balance and stability.
Get into a groove. On the days you can’t make it to the trails, find some uneven terrain go for an and active walk in your neighborhood to challenge your body further to keep your hiking skills and fitness level on track.
Regardless of where you are going, let somebody else know where you are and when – before you are out hiking alone, take the time to contact or call somebody and let them know that you’ll be hiking and when you expect to be back.
Bring a buddy. It’s best not to hike alone at first, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails. A partner or group can help you navigate and assist if you get hurt. As your skill level improves, you’ll feel more comfortable going solo.
Can’t Find a Trail? No problem!
Try going to AllTrails.com, type in your zip code, and find a hiking trail near you!
You can also try Google Maps and look for big green plots of land. We call those “parks.” Google the park name, learn about it, and decide if that’s where you want to go.
Check out the Good For You Newsletter Edition 7, Volume 1 for an inspiring cover story on a Magna Employee who hikes all the time!
