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Should You Have a Walking Rhythm When You Hike?
Have you ever gone on a hiking trip as a beginner, and even though you enjoyed it, noticed that some other hikers seemed to pass you at unreasonably fast paces? Did you wonder how they were able to achieve that pace without seeming to lose a step or even really exert themselves? The secret to achieving this kind of effort when you go hiking is in your walking rhythm, and you can learn to do it too.
What is a walking rhythm?
Quite simply, it is the effort you make to hold your pace steady, no matter what kind of terrain you’re on. Even if you have to adjust your pace to go faster or slower over different types of Earth, you’ll still have a basic idea of the pace and tempo that you should be traveling at.
The hiking rhythm is about noticing this tempo and making your body use its full range of movement to achieve it. Your arms should coincide with the movements of your legs, and your legs should moving to a steady “1,2″ beat. It’s not hard to find this beat when you’re already out there walking, so feel free to give it a try on your next trip.
Maintaining a hiking rhythm that challenges you sufficiently enough to stimulate your muscles and get your heart rate going will be the key. You don’t want to overexert yourself with an unrealistic rhythm, but you don’t want to feel unchallenged either. The best way to find a good walking rhythm is to find one that feels difficult but sustainable at the same time. If you’re not ready for a challenge, stay with a steady, moderate pace that won’t exert you too much.A walking/hiking rhythm is easy to begin, but it can be difficult to maintain. It becomes mostly a mental battle – it’s all too easy to let your mind wander to other things when you’re trying to focus on something as simple as your walking rhythm. That’s why some people use mantras to keep them going. Your mantra can be simple and easy to remember, such as repeating “left, right,” or you can remember the beat to a song you enjoy and try playing it out in your head.
What will embracing a walking rhythm do for you? First, you’ll have a greater degree of control over your total exertion throughout a hike. Second, you’ll be able to incrementally increase your pace once you have control over it, allowing you to get to the level of the “fast” hikers mentioned at the beginning of this article. Third, it will help promote mental discipline and create clarity of mind when the rest of your world is busy, busy, busy.
Photo Credits: JonF119
Republished by Old Post Promoter
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How To Get Ready For Your Hiking Trip
Hiking is one of the most popular ways for people to exercise, because it combines beautiful scenery with the easiest cardio there is, walking. Hiking can require some extra equipment and attentiveness from the hiker however. So what equipment and preparations should one make for their hiking trip? Follow the tips given in this article and your hiking trip will be a success.
Get The Right Gear
It’s essential that you bring the right equipment no matter what kind of hiking trip you’re going on. Hiking boots are very important for helping you navigate the rough terrain that is often experienced during a hiking trip, and will often help to keep your feet more comfortable through the entire experience. Depending on the type of hiking trip you’re going on, make sure that you bring a backpack with the appropriate amount of any outside resources you may need on your trip. This includes food, water, or any medication, especially if you’re hiking overnight. Also keep in mind that it may be convenient to store your tent and sleeping bags inside of a backpack.
Get Exercise Before Going
Before going hiking it’s a good idea to exercise so that you’re not overwhelmed by the difficulty of your day. This can be accomplished by simple cardio activity such as walking or riding your bike a few times a week. Due to the naturally rough terrain that you experience on a hiking trip, it’s recommended that you exercise on an inclined surface so that you can adjust to the type of exercises you will be doing. Remember to never over-exert yourself however as that’s counterproductive and that you may only hurt yourself.
Map Out The Trails
It’s very important that before you going hiking that you know where it’s that you’re going exactly and the distance you will be traveling. If you’re hiking with a limited time, you may not want to take the longest trail as you may not be able to return in time. Likewise, make sure that if you do choose the longest trail you’ve properly conditioned your body to last such as long journey. Make sure that you always bring a way for you to determine your current location while hiking, whether that is a compass or a GPS system.
Most importantly, remember to have fun because hiking should not feel like a chore. It’s always a good idea to stop and enjoy the scenery and to not worry so much about the technical aspects of camping. If you follow these simple tips you’re on your way to a hiking experience that you won’t soon forget.
Photo Credits: Bassel Safadi
