\"Living in the city or being in an office, you don't get to see that beauty of nature,\" says Amanda Kidd, who took up hiking during a turbulent time in her life.<\/p>\n
\"It's just magical you just see things in a different perspective.<\/p>\n
* Guide only. Actual kJ\/hr will depend on many factors, including age, muscle mass, and effort.<\/p>\n
\"I had a breakup and my whole world sort of turned upside down so, it was like nature therapy for me, being out in the wilderness.<\/p>\n
\"I got quite into it, in terms of going out on my own and just finding trails and walking through them.\"<\/p>\n
Walking (and hiking) can be taken up by people of all age groups and fitness levels.<\/p>\n
It's free and if you keep up a good pace, it's great exercise.<\/p>\n
It also provides you with an opportunity to get to know your neighbourhood, local parks, bushland or mountains like no other sportsperson.<\/p>\n
Even a walk around suburban streets can become more of a workout if you incorporate hills or stairs. <\/p>\n
But for Amanda, there was nothing like the lure of an outdoor hike. After a few years, she took it to the next level and conquered Tasmania's nine-day South Coast Track.<\/p>\n
\"[I] didn't know what I was signing myself up for,\" she says.<\/p>\n
\"It was my first experience of having to carry a full pack and just being out without civilisation.\"<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, hiking has provided Amanda with a new-found sense of wellbeing and empowerment.<\/p>\n
\"Being on top of a mountain, you feel like you're on top of the world and you've conquered it,\" she says.<\/p>\n
\"It just brings you back to reality and what's important in life.\"<\/p>\n
A walk in nature can clear your head, bring you in touch with nature, and even improve your relationship with your partner, writes Rebecca Huntley.<\/p>\n
Walking has also given Amanda the opportunity to develop her strength and cardio while doing something she loves.<\/p>\n
\"It's a real all-over-body workout.\" she says.<\/p>\n
\"Physically, I'm stronger, mentally I'm stronger just from exercising regularly and [being] out in nature.\"<\/p>\n
For those who are struggling to take the first step, Amanda's advice is to simply put on your walking shoes and take on a small trail with a friend.<\/p>\n
\"You don't need much, just give it a go. Find some easy trails [and] work your way up to it,\" she says.<\/p>\n
\"If you've organised to go with someone, you've got to turn up. That's a good way of getting yourself out there.\"<\/p>\n
Whether you're just starting to explore walks around you, or want to take your hikes to the next level, here's how to make them enjoyable and safe.<\/p>\n
You can walk anywhere, anytime, solo or in a group, on the flat or over hills and even indoors, on a treadmill, if you need to.<\/p>\n
Like what you're reading? Sign up forthe ABC Life newsletter to see more<\/p>\n
We thank Dr Tracy Kolbe-Alexander, of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Southern Queensland, and Nardine Presland of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, for their expert input.<\/p>\n
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.<\/p>\n
This story, which was originally written by Maryke Steffens and published by ABC Health and Wellbeing, was updated in 2019.<\/p>\n
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More:<\/p>\n
Walking can be a full cardio and wellbeing experience - ABC Local<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \"Living in the city or being in an office, you don't get to see that beauty of nature,\" says Amanda Kidd, who took up hiking during a turbulent time in her life. Continue reading