Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1499639
6 | Health Matters: Providence St. Jude Medical Center MN 11.4°E 3/30/2023 Olinda Oil Museum Trail Brea, CA 0.1 0 0 200 0 Raise Your Heart Rate, Lower Your Stress: The Benefits of Hiking " The nice thing about hiking is that it works for nearly everyone, from a gentle walk on a flat path to mountain climbing," says James Benoit, MD. Regardless of age or ability, you can find a hike that offers the right level of personal challenge. And hiking may even offer some unique physical and mental benefits, he says. Brisk walking or hiking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, particularly if your route includes some hills, which will force your heart to work harder. Taking a hike on the slightly uneven surface of a trail also provides a natural way to engage the core muscles in your torso and to hone your balance. " You usually don't get that type of lateral motion from walking on a treadmill or riding a bike," says Dr. Benoit, a family medicine physician with Providence St. Jude Heritage Medical Group. However, if you have problems with stability or vision, using walking or trekking poles can give you an added level of security on uneven terrain. Use poles with a spiked metal tip when walking on dirt or grass. Plant the pole out in front of you as you walk to take a little pressure off your knee joints. Another benefit of hiking may be the restorative and stress-relieving powers of being outside in nature. A number of small studies hint that spending time in green space—nature preserves and parks—may ease your stress levels. Given the growing consensus that stress contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease risk, anything you can do to mitigate stress is likely helpful. "I'm passionate about hiking," says Dr. Benoit. " There's a sense of peace and composure you get from being outside." Looking for a great hike? Get started by going to alltrails.com to explore hikes close to you. MN 11.4°E 3/30/2023 Fullerton Loop Trail Fullerton, CA 1 0 2