Step Into Fitness with Walking, Jogging, Running and Hiking

By Jasmine Clark, Live Well Enhance You Contributing Writer

Exercise is amazing for you both physically and mentally, and it’s even better if you do it outside. This month, we’re focusing on ways to get fit in the great outdoors. Walking, jogging, running, and hiking can all be enjoyable ways to exercise – even if you aren’t already in the habit of doing these things. Keep reading and maybe you’ll want to build a new habit!

Walking

Walking is such an easy exercise that you may be wondering if it’s really all that great. Turns out, this low-impact exercise can have major positive impacts on your health.

Walking has a variety of benefits. For example, a study found that walking for 15 minutes can reduce your cravings for sugary foods and lower the effects of obesity-promoting genes. Plus, walking can strengthen your immune system lower breast cancer risk, and ease joint pain. Because of that last benefit, people with arthritis or similar conditions can get a lot out of walking. And walking outdoors is a stress reliever. However, you should be sure to walk on even surfaces and walk at a time of day that’s not too hot (try around sunrise or sunset).

People of all ages can become healthier by walking, but it’s especially great for senior adults. If you’re a senior, walking can help you have better bone health, keep you mentally sharp, and actually add years to your life. Going on a walk a few times a week for just 15 or 20 minutes can transform your health more than you thought possible.

Jogging and Running

Walking is nice, but jogging steps it up a bit. It’s perfect for you if you don’t feel like running but feel more energetic than just walking. The point of jogging is not to try to go fast but to keep a steady pace over time.

Running is different from jogging in that there’s a greater focus on speed and power. Both jogging and running can help you burn calories, strengthen your bones and muscles, and make your heart stronger, too. But running gives you a high-intensity exercise if you’re really looking to boost your strength and improve your muscle tone.

However, running is more likely than jogging or walking to give you an injury. To reduce your chances of getting injured or feeling sore, it’s important to determine your gait and get shoes that match your gait. Plus, you can pay attention to your running form. Tip: If you’re having trouble with this, jogging can be a way to help you improve your form before you get into the habit of running.

Hiking

Being out in nature works wonders for your mental health, and hiking is an awesome way to do that. It’s great exercise, and it also gives you a strong sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed a hiking trail.

The neat thing about hiking is that it works for a variety of ability levels. If you’re a beginner, you can hike a trail with low elevation gain (meaning there isn’t a steep elevation that would be difficult and exhausting). There are also other things beginners should keep in mind like bringing along food, water, and a first-aid kit. And hiking with friends can help keep you safer.

If you’re a more experienced hiker, you can give yourself a bigger challenge if you want. Try longer, steeper trails to make things interesting. This will give your body a good workout and increase your physical strength, but it’ll also have positive effects on your mind. Hiking gives you a deep sense of peace and groundedness and can even increase your creativity. There’s a reason some people absolutely love hiking and are devoted to it!

What’s your next step?

Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, or hiking, you’re doing your body a whole lot of good. You can get in touch with nature and boost your heart and muscle health at the same time.

Here’s a hint: Join a group/club, or just exercise with a friend. When you’re with others, it’s easier to get into the habit of regularly exercising. But even if you’re by yourself, you can still choose to take steps toward better health… literally.

Jasmine Clark is a freelance writer from North Carolina. She enjoys writing about topics such as stress relief and positive thinking. She likes to encourage others to find ways to calm down and relax. In her spare time, she loves to write fiction stories and watch TV and YouTube. You can find her on Instagram @cozysachi.