First, it enhances the function of human organs. According to medical statistics, walking can lower blood pressure, reduce blood viscosity, strengthen the heart muscle, and decrease the formation of blood clots.
Second, it strengthens muscles and bones. Hiking exercises the entire skeletal system, stretches tendons, builds muscle, mobilizes joints, and strengthens bones, reducing osteoporosis.
Third, it regulates emotions. As early as his youth, Mao Zedong wrote in his essay "A Study of Physical Education" that sports "strengthen the muscles and bones, fortify the will, and regulate emotions." Strengthening the muscles and bones was mentioned earlier. Daily exercise should last at least 20 minutes and must be done regardless of weather—day after day, month after month, year after year. This is the forging of willpower.
Fourth, it alleviates illness. Hiking can help control and reduce certain conditions. For example, diabetic patients have poor glucose utilization, but walking increases the body’s ability to use glucose, thereby controlling the progression of diabetes. A U.S. health tracking survey of 72,488 nurses found that those who walked more than six hours per week had a 40% lower incidence of stroke compared to others.
Fifth, it aids in weight loss. Long periods of walking burn substantial calories, promote fat breakdown to supply energy to the body, and thus achieve weight loss goals while maintaining a good physique.
Sixth, a gentle exercise: Energy consumption is slow, approximately 32 calories per minute per kilogram (just twice the amount burned when an adult is lying down at rest).
Seventh, closeness to nature: The longer you stay in the city, the stronger your desire to connect with nature.
Eighth, stress relief: Bright sunshine can lift us out of psychological gloom. Walking amidst green mountains and clear waters not only relaxes your muscles and joints but also lifts your mood.
Ninth, making friends and broadening horizons: During travel, you’ll meet many like-minded friends, expanding your social circle. Along the way, you’ll encounter many new things—plants, animals, buildings, and more—that you’ve never seen before, bringing endless fun.
Hiking is not the casual walking commonly referred to, nor is it the competitive racewalking event in sports. Rather, it refers to purposeful medium- to long-distance walking exercises in suburban areas, rural regions, or wilderness, and is one of the most typical and common forms of outdoor activity.Since short-distance hiking is relatively simple and does not require much technical skill or specialized gear, it is often considered a leisure activity.
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