Consistency is key when getting fit, whether you’re trying to lose weight or gain muscle. However, this doesn’t mean your workout routine has to become dull and repetitive. In fact, there are various ways you can spruce up your routine to bring in a little more variation and excitement. This means you’ll also stay motivated.
For example, you could take up hiking!
Hiking is great for those who want to avoid the gym and stay fit, as it allows you to spend time outdoors while exercising. This comes with the added benefit of being good for your mental health, as exposure to fresh air and sunshine is known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, hiking may be more effective than the workout methods you are currently trialling. For example, climbing hills burns more fat and calories than cardio machines, with the added benefit of coming with a stunning view to enjoy along the way.
However, you also need to make sure you’re well-prepared for any hike you head out on in order to avoid hiking injuries and accidents. With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to ensure your first hiking experience is a successful one!
Invest in the right tools. When hiking, it’s important that you have access to all of the necessary equipment you need to stay safe outdoors. For example, you should always pack a flashlight, even if you’re packing to be back before dark. This is due to the simple fact that it can be a lifesaver should you lose light quickly, as it illuminates your path so you don’t lose your way. You should also make sure you bring along spare batteries, such as the best 18650 flashlight battery – as the last thing you want to happen is for your flashlight to run out of power when you’re halfway up (or down) a mountain. Bringing along an extra battery will not take up much space in your backpack, meaning it’s a worthwhile addition to your trip.
Pack carefully. Packing light is essential when hiking, as you don’t want to carry along any extra weight unnecessarily. However, it’s equally important that you aren’t caught in a tough situation by leaving something important behind. As a result, you should ensure that you pack your backpack carefully. While this list is by no means exhaustive, you may want to pack things such as:
- A first-aid kit.
- Water bottle(s).
- Energy drinks.
- Snacks.
- A spare pair of socks.
- An extra jacket/waterproof jacket.
- A flashlight.
- A portable charger.
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Sunscreen.
- Gloves.
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
Plan your route ahead of time. There are various natural beauty sites to explore when hiking – and you likely won’t need to travel too far from home to find them. However, no matter how familiar you may be with the area, you must carry out some research ahead of time to figure out what route you will take. For starters, this is a good safety measure as it reduces the chances of you getting lost. If you’re following a specific route or trail, you’ll also be able to figure out the trail’s difficulty level ahead of time so that you don’t over-face yourself.
With so many beautiful hiking trails around the world, it can be difficult to decide where to start. However, if you’re looking for a truly stunning destination, why not venture to Croatia? This country is home to a wide variety of trails that are perfect for hikers of all levels. A perfect option is hiking cruises which will allow you to experience all of the beauty and adventure of a hiking trip, while also enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. You can opt for a hike Croatia cruise visiting here and head on a stunning and thrilling hiking experience.
Learn some basic first aid. As mentioned above, you must bring a first aid kit when hiking. However, you should also brush up on your basic first aid knowledge so that you’re able to respond quickly when an accident occurs. For example, you might want to learn how to support someone with a sprained ankle on a hike, as this can help them recover quickly from an injury. You should also know when it’s time to seek help, whether you ask for the support of fellow hikers or emergency services. Write down the number of emergency service lines ahead of time, such as the local mountain rescue team, so that you can easily access these helplines should you need them. This way you’ll be able to recover from your injury much quicker.
Pack plenty of healthy snacks. Healthy eating plays an important role in your daily life, especially if you are participating in an intense workout such as a hike. This means that you should pack plenty of healthy snacks to enjoy along your journey. Not only will this satisfy any hunger you may be experiencing, but it will also give you the energy boost you need to persevere when you experience a natural lull in your energy levels.
Stay hydrated. We’re often encouraged to drink more water in our daily lives in order to stay fit and healthy. As such, it’s hardly surprising that you must stay hydrated when hiking. For example, if you experience dehydration in a remote hiking area, you could begin to feel disoriented. This means you could make a wrong turn, putting yourself in the path of danger. If this causes you to wander further and further from marked trails, you’re also making it hard for emergency services to find you should you require assistance. As a result, you should make sure you remain hydrated throughout your trip. Ideally, you should drink around ½ litre of water per hour you spend hiking – though this may increase if you’re hiking in hot weather.
Hike during the cooler time of day. Many people prefer to hike over the summer months because you’re guaranteed better weather (less rain, wind and other adverse conditions). However, rising temperatures do not always make for a comfortable height and could actually mean that you tire out much more quickly. As a result, if you are hiking during the summer, you should start your hike during the coolest time of day (such as the early morning). You should aim to have completed the most intense section of the hike or even complete it by the time the sun is at its peak. Be aware of the dangers of hiking in the heat, even if the sun is hidden behind the clouds. For example, you should always pack sunscreen to avoid sunburn. On a similar thread, you should also aim to have returned to your base before nightfall.
