You know that feeling when it's been a while since you've done something that makes you feel good? And then, one day, out of the blue, you hit the trails for a hike.
You come back feeling better than ever. You're refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on life's daily adventures.
But what if you did this every single day? Is it OK to hike every day? Continue reading to find out.
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Is it OK to hike every day?
First, let's define "hiking" as a hobby. In this case, a hobby is defined as an activity that one engages in regularly for pleasure.
So yes, it is OK to hike every day if you find pleasure in doing so.
Everyday stress can build up and cause health problems if not dealt with. So, as long as you find the enjoyment and relaxation from hiking that you need to keep your stress in check, it's OK to hike every day.
However, hiking every day for the sake of hiking can be a bad thing.
It's not healthy to go through one big stress crisis. If you find yourself doing this and it's negatively impacting your life (i.e., affecting your home and work life), you might need to step back from the trails.
Or maybe you're hiking every day, but it's at a quick pace. If that's the case, you might want to readjust your hike time to allow for proper breaks, which are good for your body and mind.
Finally, if you find yourself hiking every day with no rest days because of outside pressure (i.e., family, work), then it might be time to consider if you're hiking too much. Take a step back from the trails and allow yourself some rest days between hiking sessions.
What are the benefits of hiking every day?
Can hiking every day actually be good for you? The answer is yes.
So many people love to hike because it's a free way to exercise, relax, and enjoy nature all at once.
But there are some other benefits to hiking every day that you might not have thought of. Here are just a few:
- Hiking every day is a great way to burn extra calories and lose weight.
- A hiking trail with some hills or rocks can be a challenging workout to help your muscles develop over time.
- Hiking regularly has been linked to lower blood pressure, which means you're helping prevent chronic illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes.
- With all that fresh air and exercise, your immune system will be stronger than ever.
- And finally, hiking every day can help you sleep better at night because it helps reduce stress and relaxes your mind and body.
So the next time you're thinking about hitting the trails for a hike, take advantage of all these great benefits and go for it.
The Drawbacks to Hiking every day
As with everything, there are some drawbacks to hiking every day.
- If you're not in shape, hiking every day can be a struggle. You might end up with some pretty nasty blisters or, even worse, sore muscles that prevent you from future hikes.
- Hiking on the same trails every day can get boring and repetitive after a few weeks. If this is the case, mix it up and hike a different trail every day.
- Hiking every day can leave you with little time to rest or take care of the home and family needs. So, unless you can find the perfect balance between hiking and other activities in your life, avoid hiking every day.
- Finally, hiking every day can be a bad idea because there is always the chance that you might fall and injure yourself.
So, as beautiful as those trails are, use caution and hike with a friend or family member whenever possible.
Read Next: Is Hiking Alone Dangerous?
How often should you hike?
Well, that depends on you and your personal goals. If your goal is to lose weight, hiking every day might be the best way to reach that goal.
But if losing weight isn't a concern, you can go ahead and look at things like how often most people hike or the benefits of hiking every day. While these things can be helpful, they're not going to tell you exactly what's best for your life.
Read Next: How many miles to hike in a day?
So maybe the best thing to do is figure out what your goals are and then use hiking as a tool to help get you there.
In the end, there really isn't a black and white answer when it comes to how often people should hike. So, take some time and figure out what works best for you.
How to hike safely every day?
What might surprise you is that hiking every day isn't usually a dangerous activity. Sure there are a few risks associated with hiking every day, but for the most part, it's relatively safe.
But just because it's not dangerous doesn't mean that it can't be harmful or hurtful to you if done wrong. So while going out and hiking every day may be a good idea, following these tips can help you avoid some of the risks associated with hiking.
Wear proper shoes: this is one of the most important parts of going out to hike every day.
Hiking boots are ideal, but they might not always be necessary if you take a short walk on a well-maintained trail. But if you're going to be hiking on rough trails or across rocks, then having the proper boots is a great way to stay safe and comfortable.
Pack water: Hiking can get pretty thirsty work, so you must pack enough water before heading out. If you don't know how much you should bring, start with a bottle and pack more when you're finished or at home.
Tell someone where you are going: In case something happens, it's always a good idea to let someone know where you'll be hiking and how long your trip will last. If you don't come back when expected, people will know where to start looking for you.
Bring your phone: If something happens to you while hiking, having a smartphone can make all the difference. So pack it in your bag, but be sure that your battery is charged and, if possible, turn on the locator signal just in case.
Carry water & snacks: You never want to hike when you're hungry or thirsty. So stashing an energy bar or pack of crackers is a great way to help keep your blood sugar level steady throughout the hike.
Be aware of your surroundings: Hiking every day gives you the chance to see how beautiful nature can be, but it also allows you to take in some of its dangers. So stay aware of what's around you and be prepared if animals or people approach you.
Be mindful of the weather: no one wants to hike in the rain, snow, or sweltering heat, so being mindful of how the weather is acting this morning before you head out is a good idea. If there are expected storms or heavy rain, it might be best to wait until the weather clears up before you start hiking.
Colder temperatures are also dangerous because hiking can get pretty exhausting, even for seasoned hikers. So if the temperature is under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then it's probably not a good idea to go out that day.
Take frequent breaks: Hiking is a form of exercise, and just like any other kind of workout, exercising too much can have its consequences. So take frequent breaks to catch your breath and keep yourself from pushing yourself too hard.
Drink a lot of water: hiking can be thirsty work, so you must carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout your hike.
Carry a first aid kit: Hiking involves being out in nature, which means you never know what kind of wildlife or plants you might encounter. So having a first aid kit with you is a great way to avoid getting hurt and help others if they get injured. Remember to use sterile techniques to clean and cover any injuries before binding them up.
Don't hike too fast: If you're new to hiking, you mustn't go out of your way to push yourself. Pace yourself to enjoy the outdoors without pushing your body beyond its limits.
Sample hiking routine for beginners
| Day | Hiking Routine |
|---|---|
| Monday | Short, easy hike in the woods followed by running trails. |
| Tuesday | Medium-length walk on a flat trail near your home. Followed by a bike ride with hills and moderate speeds. |
| Wednesday | A more challenging but shorter hike with a lot of inclines and declines. Followed by light swimming or some other form of cardiovascular activity. |
| Thursday | Short hike in the woods with a long run or sprints on a track after your workout. |
| Friday | Long, easy hike on a relaxed trail. Enjoy a day off from any exercise. |
| Saturday/Sunday | A medium-length hike with some challenging patches. Followed by a rigorous swimming session or some other cardiovascular workout. |
NOTE: This is for people who are just starting out on hiking and need to work up to more challenging hikes. These aren't tips on becoming a professional hiker within a short time period. If you're already in good shape when you start, then feel free to go at your own pace. Hiking isn't about being faster or stronger than other people. It's about enjoying nature and getting some exercise while you're at it.
Final Words
Hiking every day is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. But it's also important that you don't overexert yourself, or else you'll feel exhausted the next day.
So before you start on your hike, be sure to test how far you think you can go without pushing yourself too hard. Then set out on your hike and take frequent breaks just in case you need to catch your breath. And keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water throughout the trail, especially if it's hot outside.
Finally, enjoy your hike, and don't be too hard on yourself for not hiking as fast or as long as other people. Hiking isn't competitive; it's about enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise at the same time.