They say that the key to a successful life is to keep moving forward. We say the key to a happy, healthy life is to take a long walk whenever you can.

Walking has for the longest time been considered one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. But very few of us walk for exercise, let alone for pleasure. You might wonder how anyone has the time to fit a walk into a busy day, but what if you made a commitment to fit a monthly hike into your busy life?

Hiking in Mpumalanga is a pastime that many locals and city slickers alike get to enjoy when they visit our beautiful part of world. And there is something about hiking in Mpumalanga that has guests entranced. The landscapes are utterly stunning and those hiking at Bermanzi can enjoy a really laidback, easy hike.

Sometimes, when on an uphill, while you are huffing and puffing, you will be passed by an older person and then you might start to wonder, is walking and hiking the reason why they are so fit?

Hiking trails in Mpumalanga

What does science say?

The data says yes, regular walking can actually help you live a longer, more active life. Walking often, at a brisk pace, can reduce the risk of early mortality, as well as reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by up to 24%.

But as with everything in life, walking alone won’t guarantee a longer life. For instance, if you are living an otherwise unhealthy life, but you walk regularly, you might not be getting the most out of your walk.

On the other hand, if you don’t do any form of exercise and you are looking to take up a form of exercise that will help you get into shape, nothing quite beats a walk. You can start out at your own pace, and build up your strength and resistance before perhaps doing something a little more strenuous. Or you can simply walk for the sake of walking, and end up being able to go longer distances with growing tired and feeling out of breath.

The Health Benefits of Hiking

There are various ways that you can improve your health when you become a regular hiker. Not all of the health benefits are physical as you cannot discount the mental benefits that naturally come with being outdoors. But mental benefits aside, these are the health benefits you can look forward to:

  • Reduced risk of heart disease
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved weight (weight loss is a common side effect of hiking)
  • Improve bone density
  • Reduce the risk of osteoarthritis
  • Lower stress

Overall, time spent hiking is never time wasted. And when hiking with friends and family, you can’t enjoy a more relaxed bonding experience.