Workout Outdoors

Spring is fast approaching, as is British Summer Time. British Summer Time begins Sunday, 28 March 2010 and soon we’ll be enjoying loads more sunlight and warmer weather. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been cooped up a bit too long and sadly I’ve packed on a few pounds over the long winter. Spring is that special buffer season where I can shed all my winter weight in preparation for summertime. I’ve considered my exercise options–I really am not much of a jogger–it’s really just a bit too intense for me. Hiking, on the other hand, offers the workout that I need along with the opportunity of enjoying the outdoors. No gym in the world is as refreshing and renewing as nature. If the weather is right, nothing can really beat the fresh air, openness and views of hiking outdoors.

Workout with Friends

There is a drawback to hiking and that is that it’s not very safe to go hiking in the wilderness solo. You should definitely have a companion on hikes and because of that often times hiking needs to be planned. On the flip-side, hiking is one of those rare exercise routines that fosters bonding and conversation. Yeah, you can go to the gym with friends or jog with friends, but you obviously can’t comfortably carry on a conversation. Often times, I find that my best companion on workouts is my iPod. Hiking allows us a rare opportunity to workout our bodies as well as our social skills amidst the revitalizing backdrop of nature.To me, that has much more value than a gym membership.

Hiking Essentials: Walking sticks, Jackets and Shoes

If you’re convinced that hiking is something you’d like to try this spring season, make sure you’re properly suited for the workout. Like any other kind of physical activity, hiking has a few essential pieces of equipment that can completely enhance your workout routine. Depending on where you’re planning on hiking, you should consider buying a walking pole. If you’re going to be hiking relatively steep terrain, a walking stick can totally revolutionize your hike. Even a gradual climb can seem like a totally different experience with a walking stick. Walking sticks don’t take away from the workout either, it just offers you more balance and comfort during your hike. A few things to look for when purchasing a walking stick are durability and lightness. I would suggest the Leki Carbonlite Pole if you’re looking to purchase one because it offers both crucial features at a reasonable price. Made from high modular carbon, the Leki Carbonlite Pole is extremely light and strong and comes with a safety wrist strap which can be more useful than you think. It also comes with Antishock technology which reduces impact on joints, ligaments and muscles, making hiking a sustainably low-impact exercise routine that is perfect for all ages.

Working out at higher altitudes and possibly in the shade means that you’ll stay pretty cool. It may be hot at home, but when you get to the mountain it can be easy to underestimate how cold it’ll be during you’re hike. Hiking jackets are made from fabric that is specially formulated to keep you cool while protecting you from the elements. Hiking jackets are typically made of specialized polyester because it’s lightweight, allows for ventilation and it can block you from wind, and to a certain extent, rain. If you’re going hiking, consider something like a Berghaus Gtx Jacket. Berghaus makes exceptionally crafted hiking jackets that are stylish as well, which is pretty hard to find. It has 2-layer Gore-Tex–that means the jacket is lightweight, well ventilated, waterproof and is guaranteed to protect you from wind and rain.

Lastly, and most importantly, you need to make sure you are wearing the right footwear. I made the mistake of no wearing proper hiking shoes and I injured myself pretty badly on what should have been a mild hike up a hill. You’ve seen all those clunky, unattractive hiking boots before with laces that go on to no end. As hiking is becoming more and more popular, a new trend in hiking boots has emerged–velcro hiking walking shoes. Hiking shoes are all about comfort and ease, and really what’s more comfortable and easy than velcro shoes? They’ve typically been for children in the past, but now they’ve been redesigned for adults looking to simplify their workouts by quickly slipping in and out of their workout shoes. It’s the simplest and easiest solution to buying practical hiking shoes without the hassle of having to lace up. An added benefit is that your shoes never come untied while making your way around the mountain.

Did you know?

Hiking exposes you to natural light which increases the level of the hormone serotonin in the brain. Serotonin regulates sleep patterns, weight and appetite, decreases stress and improves your mood. So be a happier, healthier you this spring, hit the trails and enjoy the outdoors!

-Miljean

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