On Top of Badger Mountain
The sky is clear, clouds are few. The only sound is chirping of birds or the rush of a Columbia Basin breeze.
The temperature outside is not too hot, not too cold. It’s bad enough the majority of people have jobs indoors, but on a day like this, why would anyone exercise inside as well?
There’s more of an emphasis on getting fit and remaining fit, and one of the key components of maintaining a regular exercise regime is varying your workouts. Instead of going to the gym every day, why not exercise in the great outdoors? Join the more than 70 million others who have found that hiking not only improves fitness, but also gives them a fun, exhilarating experience.
“There is beauty everywhere,” said Ed Talone, a trail instructor with the American Hiking Society. “Every state is different, and no two hikes are ever the same.” Even in the desert of Eastern Washington, there are plenty of hikes and a special kind of beauty available to us all.
To the American Hiking Society, hiking usually refers to “extended walks in the natural world–in the mountains or wilderness.” But with a growing system of trails, more Americans can hike near their homes. There are two basic categories of hikes: day hikes, which are close to home and require little equipment, and extended overnight hikes, which need more experience, preparation and specialized equipment.
“The easiest part about hiking is the freedom to do it anytime and almost anywhere,” said Capt. Maiya Kraus, bioenvironmental engineer at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. “Hiking is a lifetime sport and something you can enjoy.” She started hiking at an early age with her parents and currently hikes about two to four times a month.
However, Mr. Talone recommends contacting groups like Hike Tri-Cities.com before setting off on a hike to find possible companions and to learn your hiking areas’ level of difficulty.
“Local groups tend to do gentle, beginning hikes, and most of the people there are not experts but ordinary people starting out as well,” he said. “There will always be someone in a group who fits your style of hiking.”
The amount of exercise generated from a hike depends on the type of hike and terrain. A two-day overnight backpack trip with a 25-pound pack will certainly burn more calories than a 5-mile roundtrip hike on a nature trail.
“The minute you start walking, you’re a hiker,” Mr. Talone said. “You just need to like walking and go do it.”
So next time the sun is shining and the birds are calling, go outside to broaden your exercise routine.
“Hiking transcends the drudgery of exercise by providing a constant distraction. You’ll have sights to see, routes to find and birds to watch,” said Maj. Derek Varble, assistant professor of history at the Air Force Academy who has been hiking since 1975. Your workout becomes fun rather than a chore.”
Did you know?
“For a 170-pound person, a half-hour of hiking will likely burn 245 calories.”
By Kristine L. Koonz
with editing and additions by Paul