Benefits of Hiking

Physical Benefits

One of the many benefits of hiking is the aerobic exercise you can get. Although walking is not usually perceived as an "amazing" work out, it actually can be, because it works your heart. Add a hill in there, and you get an even better workout! Balancing on rocky terrain teaches you better balance and strengthens your core. The steepness of the hill, strengthens your leg and butt muscles. Hiking in general is a great form of exercise to help manage your weight.

Work those butt muscles! (hiking diamond head crater)

Also, since hiking is a weight-bearing exercise, it also helps to prevent osteoporosis because it strengthens your bones. Not only that, but since hiking is outdoors, the sunshine gives you vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin for bone health.

Soakin' up that vitamin D! (Diamond Head Crater)

The fresh air gives you cleaner air to breathe, which is good for your overall health and especially for people with asthma or other breathing problems. Hiking can also help with Type 2 diabetes, and depending on the difficulty of a particular hike, it could be a joint-friendly exercise that may help people who suffer from arthritis. Of course, it is always good to check with your doctor to make sure if hiking a particular difficulty level hike is okay for you.

All the fresh air! (view from Koko Head Crater)

Emotional benefits
Hiking is cheap and easy on your wallet. If anything you might have to pay a small fee of some sort (that is, if you're doing Diamond Head Crater). However, the emotional benefits of hiking are worth more than a buck. Hiking could be a great way to spend a fun day with the family, and there are many hikes out there that are kid-friendly. Go  with an old friend and catch up, you'll have plenty of time to reconnect over the time-passed (especially if you choose a more private hike like Manoa Falls or Mariner's Ridge). Best of all, hiking is a great way to relive stress. The scenic view and surroundings allow you to feel very content. Hiking also has the ability to pull you away from the "hustle and bustle of your life." Stress has been proven to cause illness because it weakens your immune system. 

Clearly some stress-free people!

In addition, another reason why a lot of people hike is for the reward of a beautiful view at the top. It makes it so that there's something to look forwrd to while you work, not to mention how amazing you feel the next few days after a long, strenuous hike! The benefits of hiking are countless and with this in mind, grab your shoes and water and take a hike! You deserve it, and so does your mind and body!

Relax! (view from Mariner's Ridge)

Bibliography:

Sorgen, Carol. "Take a Hike!" Hiking Your Way to Better Health. 07 May 2003. Web. 09 May 2011. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51002

Lundkvist, Mats. "What Are The Health Benefits Of Hiking And Trekking?" Buzzle.com. Web. 09 May 2011. http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/3-24-2006-91812.asp