Alicia Keys in Two-Piece Workout Gear Goes Hiking
Alicia Keys is going for a hike with her husband – showing off her abs. In a recent social media post, the Grammy-Award winning singer gets a healthy dose of outside exercise with Swizz Beatz. "Surrounding myself with things that are good for me!! Mantra of my lifetime," she captioned the series of Instagram snaps, which included one of her kissing her husband while they overlooked a scenic creek. Why is hiking such a great workout to incorporate into your routine? Celebwell has all the details. And for more fit tips, don't miss this from our sister site, Body Network: The #1 Food to Eat for Weight Loss, Says Woman Who Dropped 50 Pounds.
Hiking "Feeds the Soul" Says Alicia
"I love going to the beach. I love hikes. I love working out outside, taking a run through a path," Alicia once told Conde Nast Traveler. Growing up in New York City it was all about the concrete jungle. Maybe Mount Morris Park in Harlem provided a little green or Central Park. But as I started to seek out the joy of exploring the outdoors, I started to realize more and more how imperative it is to connect with nature. It feeds your soul."
Your Body Burns More Calories Hiking Than Walking
Dr. Edward Phillips, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School explains to Harvard Health that walking on a winding, wooded trail can help your body build endurance, strength, and coordination. Compared to walking on a flat surface, hiking involves uneven terrain, which requires more energy. More energy means more calories burned. If you are walking uphill, your body will have to work even harder.
It's Actually Similar to Interval Training
Hiking is so intense with all the ups and downs, it reaps similar benefits to interval training, says Dr. Phillips. It alternatives low- and high-intensity exercise.
It Also Builds Strength
Walking on an irregular landscape can also build strength. "You are using different muscles when you climb and descend," says Dr. Phillips. It is primarily great for your legs. "Descending works the muscles in the fronts of your thighs, which need to function like a brake to keep you stable," he says.
And, It Can Improve Heart Health
There are more benefits to hiking. According to the National Parks Service, the physical benefits of hiking include:
- Building stronger muscles and bones
- Improving your sense of balance
- Improving your heart health
- Decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems
Studies Have Linked It to Stress Reduction
Hiking is also great for stress, according to multiple studies. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Biometeorology found a link between hiking and reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. Another study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that hiking can also help stabilize blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
