Hiking: A great autumn activity

Summer is coming to an end and you are looking for an autumn activity? With its spectacular colours and refreshing temperatures, autumn is the perfect time for a hike.

Besides that, studies have shown that hiking can reduce stress and has a lot of additional health benefits:

Hiking is a full body workout

Hiking tones the whole body, especially the lower body — namely the quads, glutes and hamstrings. Carrying a pack or using sticks will enhance the strength and endurance of the upper body as well.

Hiking may help losing weight

Hiking on hilly trails is a natural interval workout and can therefore stimulate lipo-metabolism. The hills are the high intensity, while downhill provides the natural recovery period. This may have a positive effect on your heart rate and the amount of calories you burn.

Hiking can prevent diseases

Hiking is an aerobic exercise and offers important cardiovascular benefits. Going up and down hills gives the heart a great workout. Hiking on a regular basis decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels and can reduce the danger of heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Hiking boosts the immune system

Hiking is one of the few sports, which cannot be practised indoors. Outdoor sports like hiking boost the immune system and help us being more resistant against colds.

Hiking strengthens the bones

Hiking regularly leads to increased bone density or a slower loss of density and can help to prevent osteoporosis and postural deformity. It strengthens bones, sinews and muscles.

Hiking is good for the lungs

Working out in nature increases our oxygen supply. Respiration gets intensified and the lung volume expands, which makes our lungs work better.

Now back to nature and let’s get started!

Have fun,

Your Dole Team