Energy Expenditure and Number of Calories Burned Through Hiking and Trekking in the Plains or Mountains With or Without a Pack

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TREKKING

Hiking is a sport in its own right. The proof is in the pudding: a 70 kg person who goes hiking for 5 hours without a backpack will burn 2940 kcal, giving you a real reason to go hiking.

Just look at the difference in weight achieved by hikers on the paths of Santiago de Compostela or the various GR (Grande Randonnée) trails in France.

Whether in mountains, forests, along coastlines or through valleys, hiking offers an enriching and revitalizing experience, allowing walkers to connect with nature and discover new horizons.

Some benefits of hiking:

• Muscle strengthening: Hiking calls on many of the body’s muscles, particularly those of the legs, buttocks and back. When climbing, the calf and thigh muscles are particularly hard at work, helping to strengthen and tone the muscles.
• Improved cardiovascular endurance: Hiking is an aerobic activity that stimulates the cardiovascular system and improves endurance. Sustained walking and continuous effort during the hike help to develop good cardiorespiratory capacity.
• Burn calories: Hiking is an excellent way to burn calories. Energy expenditure depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of the walk, the terrain and the duration of the hike. This makes it an ideal activity for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting weight loss.
• Stimulating mental health: Hiking in the great outdoors offers a soothing, relaxing experience. It allows you to get away from everyday stress, recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature. Outdoor walking also promotes the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that give you a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
• Improved bone health: Regular hiking helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. The pressure exerted on bones during walking stimulates bone formation and promotes bone density.
• Interaction with the environment: Hiking allows you to discover varied landscapes, breathtaking panoramas, waterways and diverse flora and fauna. It’s a chance to disconnect from city life, connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the environment.

In conclusion, hiking is an activity accessible to all, beneficial to both body and mind. Whether for the pleasure of discovery, the quest for a personal challenge, the desire to recharge your batteries or simply to enjoy nature, hiking is an excellent way to stay active, look after your health and experience unforgettable moments in the great outdoors.