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Fit Factor: Take a Hike
Posted on May 11th 2007 6:00AM by Martha EdwardsI don't know about you but when it's nice outside it's awfully hard to leave the sunshine and warm weather for the stale air-conditioning of the gym. So my goal for this summer is going to be active as ever ... but in the natural gym -- the outdoors. I live near the rocky mountains and what's a better way to spend a hot summers day than by exploring the majestic beauty of the mountains with a hike? If you've never made it to the Rockies, then you'll have to trust me when I say it's completely breathtaking and the perfect place to explore by foot.
Hiking is not only a great way to spend a day -- it's a great workout too, and the amount of calories you burn varies depending on the terrain, distance and how much you carry on your back. And hiking's a really popular activity -- there's bound to be a few trails in your area that vary in duration.Hikes can range from an easy 20-minute walk to a grueling multi-day mountain climb, and as someone who's done both kinds, I can tell you that their both worth the time ... just getting out in nature is invigorating and inspiring. But if you're somewhat out of shape, you should take it easy at first ... try walking around the neighbourhood or the local park to start.
In fact, the longer the hike, the more preparation and equipment you'll need. Hiking boots are a pretty good idea, but their not essential if you're going to be hiking on fairly even terrain and for a relatively short period .... sneakers will do fine for some hikes, but if the trail your taking is undeveloped or your hiking for more than an hour, I would recommend good hiking-specific footwear. And make sure you wear them somewhere beforehand -- I once went on a three-day hike in boots that I hadn't broken in and it was pure torture. Consider this: when you're in the middle of no-where, you can't just quit. You have to keep going. And, if you're going for a longer hike, make sure your backpack is comfortable too, and don't over-pack.
There are a few cautionary things to consider when going for a hike -- the most important thing is to plan ahead. Know where you're going, what kind of hike you're getting yourself into and if you're venturing into the wild, make sure people back home know where you're going. You know, just in case. Know the area -- are there bears you could encounter? rattle snakes? Mosquitoes? what do you do if you meet some? Bring enough food and water for the hike -- don't rely on the creek or river for water as mountain creeks can give you all sort of diseases, even if they're ice-cold. Maybe I'm turning you off hiking but trust me, it's amazing -- you just have use some common sense.
Finally, for inspiration, I'll leave you with this -- an article I wrote on the best day-hikes in my corner of the world.
Hiking is not only a great way to spend a day -- it's a great workout too, and the amount of calories you burn varies depending on the terrain, distance and how much you carry on your back. And hiking's a really popular activity -- there's bound to be a few trails in your area that vary in duration.Hikes can range from an easy 20-minute walk to a grueling multi-day mountain climb, and as someone who's done both kinds, I can tell you that their both worth the time ... just getting out in nature is invigorating and inspiring. But if you're somewhat out of shape, you should take it easy at first ... try walking around the neighbourhood or the local park to start.
In fact, the longer the hike, the more preparation and equipment you'll need. Hiking boots are a pretty good idea, but their not essential if you're going to be hiking on fairly even terrain and for a relatively short period .... sneakers will do fine for some hikes, but if the trail your taking is undeveloped or your hiking for more than an hour, I would recommend good hiking-specific footwear. And make sure you wear them somewhere beforehand -- I once went on a three-day hike in boots that I hadn't broken in and it was pure torture. Consider this: when you're in the middle of no-where, you can't just quit. You have to keep going. And, if you're going for a longer hike, make sure your backpack is comfortable too, and don't over-pack.
There are a few cautionary things to consider when going for a hike -- the most important thing is to plan ahead. Know where you're going, what kind of hike you're getting yourself into and if you're venturing into the wild, make sure people back home know where you're going. You know, just in case. Know the area -- are there bears you could encounter? rattle snakes? Mosquitoes? what do you do if you meet some? Bring enough food and water for the hike -- don't rely on the creek or river for water as mountain creeks can give you all sort of diseases, even if they're ice-cold. Maybe I'm turning you off hiking but trust me, it's amazing -- you just have use some common sense.
Finally, for inspiration, I'll leave you with this -- an article I wrote on the best day-hikes in my corner of the world.
