Get the Exercise You Need with Walking and Hiking

Is it time for a new pair of trekking sandals? What about trail walking shoes or a pair of comfortable walking boots?

In general, shoes should be replaced every 350-to-400 miles, or approximately every six months, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Depending on how often you walk, and for how long, you may be able to stretch out those shoes for another 100 miles or so, however.

Are you one of the 145 million adults that engage in walking as part of their exercise regime? Then you’re not alone, as walking has proven to be the most popular aerobic activity. A recent survey showed that over the past week, around six-in-ten adults walked for a minimum of ten minutes.

How much aerobic activity do adults actually need? Apparently, only 21%-to-34% of adults in the United States engage in enough physical activity. Public health recommendations indicate that adults should have some form of physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes at least five times per week. In other words, A ten-minute fast-paced walk five times a week can accomplish this goal.

If you’re not taking walks, brisk or otherwise, is it because your shoes aren’t comfortable. Having a proper-fitting shoe is important for your feet as well as your overall comfort when walking or engaged in other types of exercise.

When checking your existing shoes, or trying on a new pair of trekking sandals, you want to have approximately 1/2 inch between the end of your shoe and your large toe. If one of your feet is slightly larger than the other, then it’s important to buy the next shoe size up.

Another point to consider has to do with your shoe’s weight. If it’s uncomfortable to walk or hike in your existing shoes, then it could be because they’re too heavy. As a result of that weight, you’re needing to expend extra energy.

Were you aware that when you carry extra weight on your feet it can be the equivalent of carrying between 4.7-to-6.4 times that weight on your back? If you’re backpacking, this can definitely make a difference with your overall energy and stamina.

If you’re just taking up camping so that you can go hiking and backpacking, you may be interested to know that in 2013, 40.1 million people went camping, according to the 2014 American Camper Report.
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