HIKING AND CLIMBINGGet out of the gym, grab a hiking stick and head for the hills. Nothing cures workout boredom better than a brusque walk or hike, which is incidentally, still the best exercise. In addition to getting a good cardio workout, you are building strength in your legs, gluts, and abs.
Hiking is a great way to explore your surrounding area on foot. Look online or in community newspapers for hiking groups, hiking tips, and hiking suggestions for your area. In most areas, you can even buy entire books dedicated to hiking trails and walking trails.
Books will rate hikes according to endurance level, length, and how much uphill hiking is on the trail. Start simple, with easy hikes on fairly level ground. As you feel yourself getting stronger, try more intense hikes. The scenery and workout combination is an addicting one and before long, you may find yourself planning backpacking trips to hidden areas accessible only on foot!
The only equipment you really need for hiking is a sturdy pair of shoes or boots, a water bottle, a guide, and a daypack. If you really get into it, there is a whole world of outdoor gear out there – technical boots, hydration systems designed for the military, high-tech backpacks, specialized hiking poles, miniscule first-aid kits, and more.
A lot of hikers like to take a pedometer with them. Pedometers track your every step and tell you how far you’ve come. 10,000 steps a day is the basic guideline for pedometer success. Hiking is always interesting with a pedometer, especially if you are not necessarily on a trail.
Urban hiking is also more interesting with a pedometer. If you don’t live near mountains, hills, or trails to explore of some kind, take to the streets with your pedometer. Choose a destination beforehand, then your pedometer will tell you how many steps, meters, and/or miles you’ve trekked in the urban jungle.
Just remember to keep your strides long and brusque. This will optimize your cardio benefits and train your muscles well. Some people take hiking a step further in a discipline called trail running. You can get specialized shoes for trail running that feature a breathable upper, but a more solid sole designed to grip dirt and rock, rather than asphalt and concrete.
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