by M. N. Miller

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: May 04, 2008

It has long been touted by exercise gurus that 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day can be beneficial to a person's health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with these assertions. Their studies show that regular physical activity can be associated with decreased risk of colon cancer, prevention or delaying the development of high blood pressure and, of course, the loss of weight. But what kind of physical activity is more beneficial? Should those hours, days and weeks of trekking on a trail with sunshine and trees be traded in for 30 minutes a day of striding it out on a treadmill with earphones and cable TV? Read further before throwing in the proverbial towel.

The CDC notes that a 150 pound person hiking at a 2 mph pace will burn an average of 240 calories per hour. The same 150 pound person on a treadmill running at 5 mph will burn more calories, according to a calorie counting website. That fact combined with the ease of a gym workout where you need only a bottle of water and maybe a protein energy drink to boost you through the 30 minute sweat fest has you running to the gym thinking the treadmill wins caribiners down, right? Don't count your calories before they're burned, there is more than meets the energy unit here.

As any hiker is well aware, they are not just walking around empty handed. The pack on their back adds to their weight load and increases the amount of calories burned with every step taken. In those packs, there are the obligatory trail snacks that promote good health and maintain the necessary energy while on the trails. Water is essential to prevent dehydration while hiking, but water alone won't do it here like in the gym. The American Hiking Society suggests the body needs proteins, carbohydrates and slow-burning fats to keep it moving like the well-oiled machine it is.

Hiking proves to be more than just a form of exercise-it is a way of life. While it is possible to lose weight, maintain normal muscle strength and reduce blood pressure in the gym as well as on the trail, as the CDC writes, there are benefits to hiking that can't be measured with a scale or that pinchy thing they use for body fat. The CDC further notes that walking has positive effects on moods and can help to lift depression. Sun, fresh air and nature can only add to that benefit. The ever-changing terrain not only offers low-impact muscle training, it also affords more excitement (and LESS carbon output) then pushing the button to increase your treadmill's walking plane.

Hiking the trails is a complete workout for mind, body and all the senses with more benefits than can be measured. So, no need to switch your boots for the newest running shoes, just grab your walking stick-you're already on the right trail.

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