Trekking to Lose Weight

 When I think of all the people I have met on trekking over the past 7 years, I can't remember anyone ever saying that they hike to lose weight.  

Some might not be comfortable admitting it, but I think weight loss in general isn't a major factor in why people walk.  But honestly, why the hell not? 

 A lot of my friends are almost obsessed with losing weight and maintaining a perfect figure.  I guess it's a matter of state of mind.  Or maybe it's not as modern a nature hike as going to a modern gym to work out for an hour or two every now and then.  

God knows ... but the truth is, hiking is one of the best ways to lose weight!  Don't believe me?  Keep reading.

    When you work out at the gym, do aerobics, or play high-energy sports, you can expect to burn around 4-800 calories per hour.  Compare that to trekking and you will find that trekking is at the lower end of that range.  During a hike, a "typical hiker" burns about

4 to 500 calories per hour.  So why is trekking so good for weight loss?

    The two main reasons are:

    1. When you walk, you do it all day.  You burn calories from morning to night, not just for a few hours at the gym.

    On the hiking trail you are far from the temptations of everyday life, cookie jars, junk food restaurants, etc.

    Let's look at the math.

    Suppose you are a bit like me, a 30 year old male around 160lbs / 72kg.

    You go on a hike and carry an additional 15 to 20 pounds (7 to 10 kg) in your backpack.  You are going to have a good hike that is a little tough, but pleasant.  You walk 8 hours a day, burning 500 calories per hour.  That's 4000 calories you burn there.  You will likely burn an additional 1,500 calories if you rest for the rest of the day.

    TOTAL CALORIES BURNED: 5500 CAL / DAY

    2. You practice a sport or an intense training, on average one hour a day.  It will burn 800 calories.  In addition to that, you lead a normal life, with moderate activity, going to school, the office or light physical work, shopping, cleaning, etc.  To do this, your body will burn approximately 2,700 calories per day.

    TOTAL CALORIES BURNED: 3,500 CAL / DAY

    Do you see my point?

    During trekking you burn 2000 calories more per day compared to intense training.  Well, at least in this example.  The exact numbers are up to you.  If you weigh more, carry a heavier bag, walk more, on harder terrain, etc., you will burn even more calories.  If you are smaller and rest more easily, you will burn less.  But these figures are quite typical.

    Of course, you will probably eat a little more during the hike.  But a lot of the extra calories you burn normally come from burning body fat.  Hiking is a strenuous activity, so it is easier for the body to burn body fat at a slow but steady pace.

    And besides being great for losing weight, trekking brings you closer to both spectacular natural scenery and your own body.  I don't walk because I want to lose weight.  I do it for the fun and the feeling it gives me every time I have a few days off or a few weeks to spare.  

And even though I'm not overweight, I always come back a lot slimmer and for some reason with a fresh, more positive outlook on life!