Hiking Preferred Over Gym for Longevity Training
Fitness trainer Joey Yochiem shared how client Mike prefers nature-based training like hiking and forest running for longevity, avoiding long gym sessions. Florida's trails are being highlighted for combining exercise and fishing opportunities. Adventure Fitness Athletic Club promoted DEKA/HIIT workouts for building grit and endurance as an alternative outdoor training method.
- Hiking is a weight-bearing exercise that can increase bone density, which helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis. On challenging terrain, a person can burn between 400 and 550 calories per hour. - Exercising outdoors in green spaces is associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to reduced stress and an improved mood. This is sometimes referred to as "green exercise." - Studies have shown that people who exercise outdoors report higher levels of vitality and enthusiasm, and lower levels of tension and fatigue. Exposure to sunlight during outdoor activities aids in the production of serotonin, a hormone that can improve mood and combat depression. - The combination of hiking and fishing can provide both cardiovascular benefits and moments of mindfulness. Data indicates that 78% of anglers typically do not venture more than a half-mile from their vehicles, suggesting that hiking to more remote fishing spots can lead to less crowded conditions. - DEKA FIT, created by the team behind Spartan Race, is a fitness competition comprising 10 functional fitness zones, with a 500-meter run between each zone. The name "DEKA" is derived from the Greek word for ten. - The 10 DEKA FIT zones include exercises such as Ram Alternating Reverse Lunges, a 500-meter row, box jumps, medicine ball sit-up throws, a 500-meter ski erg, a 100-meter farmer's carry, an air bike, dead ball wall overs, a tank push/pull, and Ram Burpees. - Variations of the main DEKA FIT event include DEKA MILE, which features a 160-meter run between each zone for a total of one mile, and DEKA STRONG, which includes only the 10 fitness zones with no running. - Research indicates that spending time in forests can boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which fight infections and cancer. This is attributed to airborne chemicals called phytoncides released by trees.
