Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century. Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions.
"Hiking" is the preferred term in Canada and the United States; the term "walking" is used in these regions for shorter, particularly urban walks. In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the word "walking" describes all forms of walking, whether it is a walk in the park or backpacking in the Alps. The word hiking is also often used in the UK, along with rambling , hillwalking, and fell walking (a term mostly used for hillwalking in northern England). The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia, having been adopted by the Sydney Bush Walkers club in 1927. In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping. It is a popular activity with numerous hiking organizations worldwide, and studies suggest that all forms of walking have health benefits.
History
The poet Petrarch is frequently mentioned as an early example of someone hiking. Petrarch recounts that on April 26, 1336, with his brother and two servants, he climbed to the top of Mont Ventoux (1,912 meters (6,273 ft), a feat which he undertook for recreation rather than necessity. The exploit is described in a celebrated letter addressed to his friend and confessor, the monk Dionigi di Borgo San Sepolcro, composed some time after the fact. However, some have suggested that Petrarch's climb was fictional.
Lynn Thorndike mentions that "a book on feeling for nature in Germany in the tenth and eleventh centuries, noted various ascents and descriptions of mountains from that period", and that "in the closing years of his life archbishop Anno II, Archbishop of Cologne ((c. 1010 – 1075)) climbed his beloved mountain oftener than usual".
However, the idea of taking a walk in the countryside only really developed during the 18th century in Europe, and arose because of changing attitudes to the landscape and nature associated with the Romantic movement. In earlier times walking generally indicated poverty and was also associated with vagrancy. In previous centuries long walks were undertaken as part of religious pilgrimages and this tradition continues throughout the world.
Benefits of Hiking
hiking is a cardiovascular exercise – the nature of the activity can greatly benefit heart health, and also keep the other vitals in check.
Moreover, engaging in this activity can also build the muscles in your legs. It can also strengthen your core muscles and enhance balance. When the terrain is steep, many more muscles are required to climb upward. This helps to activate the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. In the case of uneven terrain, smaller muscles are at work, increasing stability and balance.
Interestingly, hiking is an activity that can be performed by people of all age groups, and at different fitness levels. A beginner can hike in the neighbourhood park, while someone who is more trained can hike a mountain. The more challenging the hike, the more cardiovascular benefits it offers.
Here are 4 benefits on why hiking is good for your health:
- Build Bone Density
Hiking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means your bones and muscles work harder against gravity. This helps your body build or maintain bone density, which is critically important as we age.
- I Studies show bone density declines about one percent a year after age 40. Getting outdoors for a hike could have a positive impact in helping to slow down this loss. The CDC also recommends 30 minutes of physical exercise such as brisk walking, 5 days a week. As an added bonus, hiking outdoors brings you a dose of Vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which we need for bone health.
- Improve Sleep Quality
A long hike in nature can not only inspire a post-hike recovery nap, but recent research suggests it may improve overall sleep quality. - Boost Happiness
Physical exercise promotes the release of endorphins, a brain chemical that triggers positive feelings. Hiking, however, can improve our mood even more than a regular walk in the neighborhood. Hike with a friend or two. Social interaction, especially with people with whom you have a strong bond, is an important ingredient for happiness and well-being. - Combat Depression
That vitamin D from the sunny outdoors that’s so essential for bone health also combats depression. According to a critical review of 61 studies, there seems to be a correlation between depression and vitamin D deficiency. Those who had the lowest levels of vitamin D had the greatest risk of depression, and those who were depressed had lower levels of vitamin D.
Why Hike with Friends: The Role of Social Support
Exercise is already known to have many benefits for mental health, but a recent study found positive influence joining a group to work out can have on reaching goals. The National Institutes of Health reviewed various studies that connect the benefits of social support to improved health and well-being.
Regular nature hikes strengthen our heart, lungs, and muscles, as well as our mind. And going with friends can also reap healthy benefits. So, the next time you reach the top of a hill at the end of a dirt path, pause to admire the view and appreciate all you’re doing for your health and happiness.