In our new ongoing series, Active in Asheville, I’ll be discussing a number of health-improving activities and how they relate to Chiropractic care. First up: Hiking.
Image via Smithsonian.com
Not sure if hiking is actually for you? This article from healthymagination.com makes a great case for this outdoor activity. Just a few health benefits from their list: Improved cardio-respiratory fitness (heart, lungs, blood vessels), improved muscular fitness, and lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
If you’ve decided to try hiking, I recommend reading this great article on the proper mechanics of hiking, written by a chiropractor. It discusses things like slope training, stride, speed and cadence.
Finally, you’ll need to find a place to hike in Asheville. Luckily, the choices are endless. ExploreAshville.com has a fantastic overview of the area’s hiking trails, as well as maps and details to help you plan your routes.
A few other things to consider before you hike: As I’ve mentioned previously, even a small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body, causing pain and discomfort. When you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight. When you are hiking, especially on a downhill slope, the pressure on your feet can also be heightened.
Because proper footwear can play a big role in reducing your risk of injury, I always encourage regular hikers to look into the custom orthotics that River Ridge Chiropractic offers.
Enjoy your hike!
– Dr. Bart
