With spectacular views, fresh air and a chance to get out of the bustling city, there are very few reasons not to head for the hills for a good hike.
Taking a break from Manhattan and its plethora of exciting activities may sound like a ludicrous idea, but experiencing a different environment for a while is one of the best things about hiking. This activity not only allows you the chance to reconnect with nature, it also comes with some health benefits that you can take back to the city,
Hiking can help your bones.
Because hiking is considered a weight-bearing exercise, it can help build and maintain your bone density, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The trails are also usually much softer than concrete so walking on them puts less pressure on the joints.
In fact, the University of Washington discovered that after women with osteoporosis walked three hours a week over 9 months, they increased their bone density by 6 percent!
It can help you lose weight and keep it off.
The American Hiking Society reported that on average, you burn 100 calories for every mile you walk. However, they also pointed out that hiking helps keep the weight off, which is something that many people who rely solely on dieting aren’t able to do.
It can help you relax.
Too much adrenaline can increase muscle tension. However, the American Hiking Society has said that hiking helps release it. According to their results, people who walked began showing signs of decreased tension almost right away, regardless of how fast they were going.
It can make you happier.
Hiking high in the mountains can also raise your spirits. In a study by Paracelsus Medical University, they found that hiking can be a form of additional therapy and can help those with severe depression feel less hopeless. However, it’s not just for those dealing with depression. Anyone has the potential to use hiking as a way to boost their mood!
Even though it might seem like a large task to go hiking when you live in Manhattan, don’t worry. You don’t have to start off with a months-long trip on the Pacific Crest Trail to reap the benefits. New York offers many places to go hiking outside of the city, but you can even start off by simply walking in Central Park. Just put on a pair of sturdy shoes and head off!
-by Connie Lee
