If you are looking for an activity in which you can exercise, do not require much physical effort and provide great benefits to your health, hiking is a very good option. This sports or tourist activity allows you to exercise your body by walking routes or trails through natural spaces, while discovering landscapes and historical heritage that are part of the way. This time, Dr. Augusto Ruiz, medical director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service of Clinica Ricardo Palma, offers us valuable information to start this activity.

Is walking the same as hiking?

Walking is a very different activity from hiking, since it is usually done on flat surfaces and without major obstacles, in addition to being of short duration. On the other hand, hiking involves much more effort depending on its level of difficulty, since it can be done on rough, rugged and rocky paths, with differences in height, which entails greater effort and physical wear and tear. Likewise, it requires prior physical preparation, special equipment, food and drinks, depending on the routes and distances chosen.

Prior preparation

Before starting this sports activity, it is advisable to carry out some physical preparation with the guidance of a specialist, in addition to a medical evaluation to make sure that you are fit to carry out this activity.

On the other hand, days before going hiking, the following should be planned:

• What route will you take?
• Whether it will be guided or not
• How long will the road take?
• The weather
• If you will stay overnight
• Appropriate clothing
• And most importantly, pack the backpack with everything you need for the scheduled route

In addition, the diet before the tour should be rich in long-chain carbohydrates and fruits rich in potassium and vitamin C, avoiding fats and sugars.

Dr. Augusto Ruiz
Medical director of the Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation service at Clinica Ricardo Palma