Hiking for women – tips and preparation advice
No matter what part of the country you live, you haven’t seen the best of it unless you’ve been hiking in its great outdoors. As a woman, don’t think that the epic trails are too much for you to conquer. I’m not saying you need to, but at least you can get out there and have a go at least a section of a long hiking trail. Never be afraid of the unknown and keep in mind that there are plenty of benefits from hiking for everybody and especially for women. Here are some useful tips on how to become a successful female hiker and what the benefits of this activity are.
Benefits of hiking
Girls are often thought to be somewhat obsessed with their looks and weight. The beautiful thing about hiking is that it is not only good for your mind and soul but your body as well. You get to work out for free and guess what, without a bunch of people sweating next to you under the same roof. Hiking is perfect for building an aerobic base and helping you develop stamina for any other sport you’re practicing.
Weight loss and fat-burning potential
If you love being outside and you’re looking for a way to lose weight then hiking is the right thing for you. It may not seem like a calorie-burning workout at first, but you better believe it is. An average person hiking with a backpack on medium-challenging terrain burns up to 500 calories per hour. If you can do it a few times a week, you will see the great change in your body very soon. The winter jiggle that’s been hanging around all year long will disappear sooner than you know.
Toning and muscle building potential
While you’re walking through breathtaking scenery and burning some fat, there is one more change happening to your body, and that is toning and building muscle. Your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, abductors, and glutes will all be put to the test as you ascend and descend your favorite trails. All women dream of having perfectly-toned legs, but only a few of them are really dedicating themselves to make this dream come true. Hiking is a perfect way to gain the figure you wish for without even entering a gym. Of course, some extra working out is always welcome, but even if you don’t, your body will be improved just from regular and frequent hiking.
Training tips
City dwellers often have some difficulty in getting ready to step out onto the trail. So, here are some tips for women to prepare themselves for hiking before actually heading into the wild.
Walk
Every time you can, walk! Walk to work and back, around your neighborhood, in the park, with your dog… Walk as much as you can to improve your stamina and prepare your leg muscles for bigger challenges.
Take the stairs
Forget about the elevator and always take the stairs. Climbing stairs is an amazing everyday routine that will help you tone your legs and thighs, making them stronger and more beautiful. The movements you make when climbing the stairs are exactly the same as ascending a hill.
Wear a backpack everywhere you go
Even a small backpack can be a burden after few miles if you’re not used to it. If you’re planning on backpacking then you must practice wearing a pack on your back because it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially if you have never done it before.
Lower body exercises
It’s really important that you prepare your leg muscles for the hard work that’s awaiting them on the trail. Squats, lunges of all kinds, and explosive jumping movements will get those legs hiking-ready. Good luck!
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