Take a hike, literally! Blog posts included.

justrun52
justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
edited December 1 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm an avid hiker, and it's been my second religion for about a year now. I spent all last summer hiking- 100 hikes to be exact. Long story short, by the end of the summer my body fat was at 15.5% (had it measured professionally) and I was eating probably close to 2,000 calories a day (fyi I'm a female, 26 yrs old 103 lbs, 5'3"). I wasn't heavy before I started my 100 hikes by any means- about 105 lbs, and I'm not sure how much much my body fat percentage was before my hiking, but I can say that I felt absolutely amazing when I was hiking and I got a full body workout, especially when I was boulder scrambling or ascending a steep trail.

I see a lot of posts about exercise routines that involve CrossFit, weights, running, walking, and other gym-related activities. These are all excellent, I'm not trying to make them sound "less worthy" as an exercise choice, but I want those who are interested in the benefits of hiking to be aware of them.

If you want to read the full story, check out my Facebook blog and read these two links:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/sassafrass-frontier/100-hike-challenge-how-it-began/1729298034008754

https://www.facebook.com/notes/sassafrass-frontier/100-hike-challenge-99-more-to-go/1729306790674545

Replies

  • tugsandpulls760
    tugsandpulls760 Posts: 206 Member
    I have woods and a pond behind my house a trip through and around the pond takes an hour I love it good workout
  • Rocknut53
    Rocknut53 Posts: 1,794 Member
    edited May 2016
    The mountains behind my house are my gym. I've logged 438 miles in the past couple years, 210 of those since I resumed MFP in January. Winter months involve post holing through deep snow and snowshoeing if the snow is too deep. The "trail" is steep, a couple thousand feet in less than 2 miles. I personally can't imagine doing any other type of workout. I have added some indoor weight training at home for my upper body because I hope to get back to a little rock climbing this summer. I like your 100 hikes idea. I'll have to add this years hikes up and then add some other areas to "work out." I'm not 26... :(

    I just read your blog. Your reasons are my reasons. Hiking is what keeps me functioning on a day to day basis. Otherwise, the sadness creeps in and takes control Thank you for sharing the pictures of your beautiful hikes! I'm in Montana, but would love to see some of the places you have.
  • justrun52
    justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
    Rocknut53 wrote: »
    The mountains behind my house are my gym. I've logged 438 miles in the past couple years, 210 of those since I resumed MFP in January. Winter months involve post holing through deep snow and snowshoeing if the snow is too deep. The "trail" is steep, a couple thousand feet in less than 2 miles. I personally can't imagine doing any other type of workout. I have added some indoor weight training at home for my upper body because I hope to get back to a little rock climbing this summer. I like your 100 hikes idea. I'll have to add this years hikes up and then add some other areas to "work out." I'm not 26... :(

    I am the same way, I personally feel like hiking is the best workout out there, but I'm biased :wink: . I also started rock climbing this past winter for upper body strength, and I honestly feel that between rock climbing and hiking, I'm set for life and in the best shape possible.
  • shadowfax_c11
    shadowfax_c11 Posts: 1,942 Member
    I went for a hike just today. Because of knee issues it was not as long as I might have prefered but I really have trouble with uneven ground and especially going down hill. But I had a great time exploring the forest of Keystone state park this afternoon. So much to see. Took a lot of wildflower pictures on my journey. :)

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    13124564_10206707872950538_2027205137221332416_n.jpg?oh=16bb90a9582c813b76c716cf4534600b&oe=57DF485A

    13165994_10206707873670556_8021668176562699542_n.jpg?oh=f2fb8e27d5f9ffd108519e6fd717b27d&oe=57AD20BA

    13164297_10206707874030565_2558372691146348171_n.jpg?oh=8e4435c3c7a25a7cd3000b25df1776b7&oe=57ACBCDF


    Sure beats the scenery in a Gym. :)

  • justrun52
    justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
    shadowfax_c11 wrote: »
    I went for a hike just today. Because of knee issues it was not as long as I might have prefered but I really have trouble with uneven ground and especially going down hill. But I had a great time exploring the forest of Keystone state park this afternoon. So much to see. Took a lot of wildflower pictures on my journey. :)

    Sure beats the scenery in a Gym. :)

    I completely agree, absolutely beautiful!
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