Hiking Tips
Hiking is one of the finest ways to get in shape and rediscover nature. However, hiking over steep hills and rough terrain is no fun if you’re suffering from exhaustion on the journey. Practice walking a few blocks in your neighborhood or use a treadmill (if you have one available) a few times a week to get your body used to walking and get your breathing under control, to establish a rhythm. After a couple of weeks you’ll be ready to hit the trail. Don’t get carried away now; start with a short easy trail.
Start: Begin hiking by going with a group of experienced hikers. Maybe you have some friends who are hikers. If not check out local hiking clubs, meetup groups, etc. There is always some group that has organized hikes planned. If you’re new to hiking it is also a good idea to go at the time of year when the weather is good. Good weather will be one less thing to be concerned about while you get your hiking legs. Once you have some experience under your belt then you can step up to more challenging weather and trails.
Pace: Try to finish your hike with the same pace and rhythm at which you started.
Synchronize your breathing to your arm and leg movements. Maintaining a steady rhythm will increase your endurance, and add to your pleasure and comfort level. Adapt your rhythm to the territory and climatic conditions as well as to the load you are carrying.
Rest: Rest is an essential part of hiking. Take short and regular breaks, (10 minutes) rather than long and infrequent ones and keep your body hydrated. This will keep the muscles flexible, thus making it easier to get back on the trail. On a cold and windy day, put on a warm jacket while resting to avoid a chill. Rest at regular intervals will enhance your performance.
Stretching: Do some light stretches before starting on the trail and during breaks. This will help keep the muscles supple and improve your sense of comfort. Additionally, do 10 to 15 minutes of stretches at the end of each hike.
Pack Adjustments: Be aware of how your pack rests on your back. Avoid having items sticking out or attached to the outside of your backpack; these will catch on branches or bushes. Make small adjustments to your shoulder and stabilizer straps, pack harness hip belt when necessary. Shift the weight of the load between your shoulders and hips. This minimizes stress and pressure in any one area.
Foot Placement: Many falls occur when going downhill right after finishing a long climb. Be particularly careful about foot placement then, because after the exertion of a long climb, the tendency is to relax on the ensuing descent which can result in accidents.
Know where you are: Frequently check your bearings and pay attention to trail markers. 
Take a few minutes to check your position and ensure that you’re going in the right direction. Always have your map and compass close and know how to read both.
Hiking is not complicated. It is basically walking but it does require some basic knowledge which will come from research, and ultimately practical experience, which will be gained on different trails. To enjoy nature while covering long distances over rugged terrain, one must be adequately prepared. If venturing into extreme hiking then more specific and technical skills will be required. Basic hiking is about simplicity; you and your backpack, one step at a time, the light streaking through the trees and the sounds of the forest in your ears. Follow these hiking tips and techniques and you will enjoy and appreciate what nature has to offer.
