Hiking For Newbies: 5 Essential Tips

by: Stefan Simonovic

Designed by Freepik

It doesn't matter if you're young, middle-aged, or a member of the senior dating niche, you still need to exercise on a regular basis if you wish to remain healthy and fit. However, not all people can go to the gym or participate in serious training sessions due to various reasons. On the other hand, the vast majority of people despises running, jogging and other similar activities, even though they are perfectly aware of all benefits that cardio provides.

But what if we told you there's one healthy activity you could enjoy on a daily basis? That’s right, we’re talking about hiking here. This is one of the most popular exercises all around the globe because it's great for your overall health and it allows you to enjoy nature and beautiful views. So, if you're interested in hiking, here are the 5 essential tips every newbie has to check out.

Start With Short Hikes And Easy Terrains

At first, hiking may seem like an easy activity that does not require a lot of stamina, but that's not true. Yes, the first 15-30 minutes will be rather simple, especially if the terrain is easy, but after an hour, you'll notice the first signs of fatigue. So, if you're a beginner, it's absolutely crucial to pick short hikes first, at least until you improve your stamina and gain some experience. Also, don't start with complicated terrains and trails because there's a chance you might injure yourself along the way.

Check The Weather And Dress In Layers

One of the things every hiking newbie must do before going out is checking the weather conditions. These walks can be quite long, which means the climate can change a few times before you finish your trail. Therefore, in order to avoid any unpleasant situations and accidents, make sure to check the weather before you start walking. Also, you should always try to dress in layers when hiking. The temperature can change rather quickly, which means you need to be ready to cool off by easily undressing a layer of your clothes without completely exposing yourself to the elements.

Bring The Map And Memorize The Trail

It doesn't matter how close to home you are, you can easily get lost in any woods out there. Therefore, it's always good to bring a map with you and memorize your trail. Try to remember every tree and every stone along the way, it might help you find your way back in case you get lost or lose your trail.

Pick The Right Shoes

Hiking implies walking across the unpredictable and tricky terrain for a long period of time. This means you need to pick the right shoes for this adventure. Your footwear must be comfortable but firm, in order to endure the rough terrain. Uncomfortable shoes will turn your hike into a nightmare filled with frustration, blisters, and sore ankles.

Hydrate Yourself And Watch Your Pace

Finishing a hike in a safe and healthy fashion should always be your priority. Now, you can achieve that goal only if you hydrate yourself during the hike. Furthermore, watching your pace is crucial too. Like we said, the first 15 minutes might be deceivingly easy, but you must never go all in from the beginning. You need to save your energy and keep a balanced pace throughout the entire hike. This is the only way you'll be able to finish the trail.


About the author:

Stefan is a writer and a blogger in his spare time. He also works for First Beat Media, a company that mainly focuses on the online dating niche and similar services.