Walking is a great exercise, lowering your risk for illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, builds your bones, and improves your general health, and your mood. Walking also is a great way to burn calories.
Walking nature trails burns twice the number of calories burned by walking in urban environments. And the steeper the trail, the more calories are burned!
Even so, it’s important for you to observe some simple rules before and during your hike, to ensure your safety and comfort.
1. At least a month before your trip, consult your doctor. Your doctor can recommend a way to get into better condition before the trip, the kind of hiking path that you will enjoy and will not overtax your physical health. Generally most doctors recommend that you begin several weeks before, exercising every other day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. The exercise can be walking outside or on a gym machine, or strength training.
2. Stretch before and after you walk, to minimize your chance of injury or soreness.
3. If you have or are at risk for heart problems, diabetes, and/or allergies to bee or wasp stings, take along medicines you might need, and explain your condition to your partners so they can treat you if necessary.
4. Stay on the trail, and be careful of snakes and scorpions (see the previous tip about avoiding snakes, scorpions, and spiders, and treating their bites and stings.)
5. Wear a brimmed hat, to conserve body temperature.
6. Take lots of water with you, and drink constantly while you walk.
7. Be sure to use a lot of sunscreen, and reapply every few hours. Also use sunglasses to protect your eyes.