By Shannon Peddell

Studies have shown that being out in the woods can improve your mood , focus , creativity and intuition , as well as its many beneficial effects on your physical well-being . But be prepared – you might get addicted to it .

HIKING ENGAGES THE FOLLOWING MUSCLES :

Abs , low back , glutes , hamstrings , calves , ankle stabilizers , quads , hip flexors , and if you have hiking poles you will also engage your biceps , triceps , forearms and delts , not to mention your heart . In case this didn ’ t stand out to you , that is almost your entire body that gets involved while you are hiking , providing both an aerobic aspect and a muscle strengthening aspect .

A 155 pound female will burn on average around 350 calories per hour . Add a backpack and that number increases to 400 calories per hour . Climbing a hill with that backpack ? Then your numbers just jumped to around 500 calories per hour (* calorie burn is estimate and depends on fitness level , terrain , backpack weight etc .)

You might say , “ Well I can get those benefits from the gym , so why go hiking ?” Well , numerous studies have linked spending time in nature with a reduction of glucose intolerance , reduced LDL ( Bad cholesterol ) as well as the aforementioned mental benefits which also includes improved selfesteem and reduced depression and anxiety . Those same studies showed that people walking indoors ( like on a treadmill or at a gym ) instead of in nature did not receive the same benefit and in some cases showed increased rates of depression and anxiety . Don ’ t get me wrong I am not anti-gym ( I work at a gym ). Gyms can provide a great social aspect to your exercise regime and weight training is essential to help increase your strength for your next hike , but there are ways to strength train out on the trail too . Φ

PHOTO BY SOLISIMAGES – FOTOLIA

Tackle steep routes and natural obstacles at Ottawa ’ s toughest trail races . Chip-timed , multiple distances and good times at the finish .

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