The Winter Walk

Personally I am not too big on running long distances for improving my cardiovascular health so I mainly depend on hiking.  Hiking is different than basic walking because it involves walking on natural trails or off trails usually in forests, highlands and mountains etc.  Hiking on natural trails offer challenges that you normally wouldn’t see on a paved path.  You are constantly changing elevations (going up hill, down hill), walking through snow/grass, ducking below branches, navigating over and around streams and constantly being aware of your footing.  The change in inclinations puts a higher demand on your leg muscles (calves, quads, hamstrings, glutes) that you normally wouldn’t experience on the side walk.  The unevenness of terrain ensures the hiker is being aware of his/her surroundings, long-term hiking will add to gait and overall balance.  It is amusing to think back when I first started hiking and saw how hard it was to maneuver some terrain but over time your leg muscles get used to walking in the natural environment and you become more fluid and graceful.  When hiking try to go for at least an hour, this is a substantial time to improve your cardiovascular health, lose fat and gain muscle. 

 

I heard David Suzuki once say “we are the environment.”  His rationality for this statement was that every time we breathe in we take in mainly oxygen along with many other fine particles, when we exhale we expire mainly CO2, water and other particles but the main point is we don’t expire everything we take in, it becomes a part of us and we are forever interconnected with our environment.  This being said, if we are walking and running around the streets where cars are driving and industry is active, we are breathing in a lot more than just oxygen.  Getting away from the urban jungle and going to a forest will give you an opportunity to breathe in fresh/clean air and reduce your risk of accumulating toxins  in your body over time leading to a wide array of disabilities. 

 

Connecting with nature through observation and the physical senses will allow you to experience the beauty and genius of nature.  In your walks you will see small animals foraging and storing nuts for the winter, you may see a plant sprouting indicating a new season is upon us and you may even see a fox or a deer.  The natural sounds of the forest can illicit thoughts of peace and relaxation, leaving distractions behind may even be conducive to contemplating things that are happening in your life.

 

When hiking always bring the appropriate gear, dress according to the weather.  Have a good sturdy pair of boots/shoes with excellent ankle support and water protection.  Next thing is to layer properly, I am a big fan of long underwear, with the advancement of technology there are very thin materials that fit tight to the body offering breathability, keeping in heat and are extremely light.  Bring water, a small snack and sun screen is always a good idea.  Summer is obviously different but I still suggest long pants if you are going to be going through shrubs and off trail (in case of irritating foliage).

 

Last but not least if you have a dog give him/her absolute bliss by letting them hike with you off the leash.  You will be surprised how your dog will sniff out the trails, take the lead then always look back to make sure you are in sight.  So ask around your community and find out where some good close places are to hike, all you really need is a big enough forest.

 

 

~ by davinderbirk on January 31, 2008.