In The Community
National Hiking Day is coming up this Sunday, November 17, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by hitting the trails! Hiking is an amazing way to get outside, explore new places, and give both your body and mind a boost. God knows we all need that boost right now! But whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, it’s always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve to make sure your hike is safe, comfortable, and as fun as possible. Here are pro hiking tips to help you get the most out of every step on the trail:
Check the Weather, But Be Ready for Anything
Photo by Vlad Bagacian on UnsplashWeather can change in a flash, especially if you’re hiking in mountainous areas. While it’s important to check the forecast before you go, make sure you’re prepared for anything nature throws your way. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker, even if it looks sunny, and wear layers so you can adapt to the temperature as you go.
Pack Smart but Don’t Overdo It
Photo by Timo Stern on UnsplashYou’ll need the essentials, but carrying too much weight can slow you down and make the hike less enjoyable. Stick to the basics: water, snacks, sunscreen, a map (or a fully charged phone with GPS), and a small first-aid kit. If you’re planning a longer hike, consider bringing a headlamp, an extra layer, and some extra food. Think about the “10 Essentials” of hiking—navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. You don’t have to bring a ton, but these basics can be customized to fit your hike.
Break In Your Shoes and Wear Good Socks
Photo by Marc Pell on UnsplashNothing can ruin a hike faster than painful blisters, so make sure your shoes are broken in before hitting the trail. Wearing shoes that haven’t been tested on a hike is a recipe for sore feet! Pair them with moisture-wicking, cushioned socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Trust us, your feet will thank you by the end of the day. Also, bring a few bandages or blister pads just in case. And don’t be afraid to take a break and adjust your socks if your feet start feeling hot spots—catching blisters early can save you a lot of pain!
Stay Hydrated and Snack Often
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on UnsplashIt’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need on a hike, but staying hydrated is essential. Bring enough water for the whole hike, and consider a hydration pack if you don’t want to keep stopping to reach for your bottle. Don’t forget snacks, either—nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit are perfect for keeping your energy up on the trail. Electrolyte tablets or powder are great for long hikes, so keep that in mind. They help replenish the salts you lose through sweat, keeping you energized and ready to tackle those uphill climbs.
Know the Trail (And Have a Backup Map!)
Photo by Denise Jans on UnsplashGetting lost on the trail is no one’s idea of a good time, so study the trail map before you go, and pay attention to trail markers as you hike. If you’re hiking a longer or more remote trail, download an offline map to your phone or carry a paper map. It’s always good to have a backup in case your phone dies or loses signal. Apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS are great for trail maps and often have reviews from other hikers that provide tips on conditions, difficulty, and must-see spots. Also, download your map for offline use so you’re covered, even without cell service.
Start Early and Pace Yourself
Photo by Onni Anttoora on UnsplashStarting early has a few perks: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and more time to enjoy the views. Plus, if you’re on a longer trail, getting an early start means you’ll have more time to take breaks and soak in the scenery. And remember—pacing yourself is key to avoiding burnout, especially on steeper trails. Hiking isn’t a race, so find a pace you’re comfortable with and take breaks to take your surroundings in. That’s where the magic is at!
Respect Wildlife and Leave No Trace
Photo by Transly Translation Agency on UnsplashHiking is about connecting with nature, and part of that is respecting the plants and animals you encounter. Admire wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding animals (it disrupts their natural behaviors). Pack out any trash, even if it’s biodegradable, to help keep trails beautiful for the next visitors. Overall, make sure to follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize your impact—stick to trails, don’t disturb plants, and leave everything as you find it.
Capture the Moment, But Remember to Look Up!
Photo by Briana Tozour on UnsplashTaking photos of those epic views is part of the fun, but don’t spend the entire hike staring at your phone or camera. Soak in the moment with your own eyes, and enjoy the peace and beauty around you. Your photos will be a nice reminder, but nothing beats the memory of truly experiencing the trail. Set specific times to stop for photos, like at scenic viewpoints or landmarks, so you don’t end up glued to your screen the entire time.
Listen to Your Body
Photo by Holly Mandarich on UnsplashIt’s easy to push yourself too hard when you’re caught up in the excitement of exploring, but remember to listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, take a break. If something hurts, don’t ignore it. Hiking is about enjoying the outdoors, so there’s no need to push through discomfort. Take care of yourself, and make adjustments as needed. Muscle fatigue and soreness are normal, but sharp or sudden pain isn’t. Trust your instincts—there’s no shame in turning back or taking it easy if something feels off.
Celebrate the Small Moments
Photo by Elias Maurer on UnsplashHiking isn’t just about reaching the summit or end of the trail. Take time to appreciate the little things along the way—the rustling leaves, the sunlight filtering through the trees, or a friendly chat with your hiking partner or the hikers you meet along the way. These small moments make the journey memorable and add to the experience.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to hit the trail and make the most of it. So lace up, pack light, and enjoy National Hiking Day. Happy hiking!
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Yami Mufdi
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Yami Mufdi is of Dominican and Palestinian descent and she’s a certified health, yoga, and fitness expert. She has amassed almost 180k followers on Instagram and she’s active on YouTube, uploading lifestyle vlogs and workout routines. Mufdi has guided thousands of women become the best versions of themselves by sharing the joy of movement and educating them about healthy fitness. As a fitness coach, she’s dedicated to helping women embrace their inner strength and lead more fulfilling lives.
Massy Arias
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Massy Arias is a Dominican health coach and certified personal trainer. She’s a successful fitness influencer with 2.9M followers on Instagram and she champions a holistic approach. Arias combines strength training with mental wellness, so she’s a great source of inspiration, motivation, and advice to stay on track. She has inspired millions of people to pursue healthier, happier lives, so she’s one of the top Latina fitness coaches to keep an eye on. Her workout routines are available on YouTube for free, but she also has challenges and programs for sale if you want to take it to the next level.
Sascha Fitness
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Sascha Barboza, also known as Sascha Fitness, is the queen of Venezuelan fitness with 5.6M followers on Instagram. She has made quite a name for herself as a certified personal trainer and nutrition guru. Her social media is always a source of motivation, healthy meal ideas, workouts, and advice. With a booming supplement business and best-selling books, Sascha's influence stretches across Latin America. Her journey from postpartum weight loss to winning fitness competitions proves that fitness is a lifestyle, not a trend, and she’s happy about showing people the way to achieve that lifestyle and improved health.
Lyzabeth Lopez
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Lyzabeth Lopez is the brains behind the Hourglass Workout, a program that has helped over 100K women lose weight, shape sexy curves, and build healthy habits. As a registered nutritionist and certified personal trainer, Lopez has turned her passion into a fitness brand and she has made a big impact in the lives of many women struggling with their body image, health, and self-esteem. With 1.5M followers, her Instagram is a good source of tips, nutritional knowledge, and workout inspo.
Francheska Martinez
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Francheska Martinez is a self-proclaimed movement enthusiast and functional movement coach who’s passionate about getting people to embrace an active lifestyle. From dancing and breakdancing to rollerblading and flag football, her joy for life is contagious and she shares it with 289K followers on Instagram. With a degree in Exercise Sports Science and certifications from ONNIT Academy and ANIMAL FLOW, Martinez blends fun and fitness in the most creative ways. She reminds us that movement is medicine and that’s a huge part of her philosophy. Of Cuban and Colombian heritage, Martinez is an inspiring Latina to add to your social media feed.
Robin Arzón
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Robin Arzón is quite an interesting Latina fitness coach because she’s a former lawyer who decided to pursue her true passion: fitness. Of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent, Arzón is a two-time New York Times bestselling author and Peloton’s VP of Fitness Programming. From marathons to motivational speaking, her journey into a full-fledge fitness expert is impressive. She has inspired thousands of people to redefine their possibilities through sweat and resilience and continues to do so. Arzón is a powerful Latina helping other women unlock their own power and she’s making an impact to over 1M followers on Instagram.
Gaby Rivers
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Gaby Rivers, also known as Gabs, is all about making fitness accessible and enjoyable for other women. With her engaging content in Spanish, Gaby shares workout programs, including her KZN fitness program, and wellness tips with her 268K followers. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, she’s an amazing fitness influencer from Puerto Rico, helping many reach their goals with realistic, effective routines. She also shares recipes, tips for workouts and marathon prep, and overall lifestyle content that will help you stay on track.
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Dancing promotes better brain health
Photo by Diego Rosa on UnsplashDancing isn't just a workout for your body; it's also a workout for your brain! Research shows that busting a move can actually boost your memory and keep dementia at bay. Imagine getting better at remembering where you left your keys! Wouldn’t that be great? Plus, challenging yourself to master choreographies works your brain in all the right ways, improving your planning and organizing skills. Who knew shaking your booty could make your mind sharper too? The more you know…
It can make you more flexible
Photo by Brannon Naito on UnsplashSay goodbye to feeling stiff as a board! When you dance, you learn to move your body in ways you didn’t think possible for you. Dancing loosens up the joints and stretches the muscles, so it can improve your flexibility overall. It can also improve your mobility, which is particularly important as we get older.
Dancing melts the stress away
Photo by Michael Dam on UnsplashFeeling stressed, overwhelmed, or grumpy? Just dance it out! It’s amazing how quickly a little dancing session or workout can give you a boost of feel-good hormones. Sometimes, that’s all you need to get through the day or just give your mind a break. Dancing can be liberating, and it can feel like hitting the reset button in your mind. Once you’re done, you’ll have a bit of a clearer head and a better disposition to tackle whatever made you stressed or grumpy in the first place.
It can help with depression
Photo by Olivia Bauso on UnsplashThe thing that makes dancing so effective as a stress management strategy also makes it helpful if you’re dealing with depression. Dancing to upbeat songs is a natural way to increase your levels of serotonin. That’s why this activity never fails to lift our spirits, whether we’re doing it alone in our rooms, with a partner, or with a group of people. Combined with therapy work and other strategies, dancing can help you manage depression and other forms of mental health conditions.
Dancing can help you reach your weight loss goals
Photo by Mike Von on UnsplashIf you’re working on shedding a few pounds and you often get bored with cardio workouts on the treadmill, dancing is a good alternative. For example, Latin dance classes may look easy, but you’ll work your entire body, and you’ll be sweating as much as you would on a stationary bike, treadmill, or stair master—if not more! Combined with good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, your weight loss goals will be easier to achieve.
You’ll get a burst of energy
Photo by Levi Guzman on UnsplashSometimes, we need a little pick-me-up, but we’ve already had too much coffee. Instead of having another cup of joe, why not play your favorite songs and get moving? Regular dance sessions will not only boost your physical performance but also give your energy levels a boost. When you’re done dancing, you’ll feel ready to take on the world or, you know, to just finish your work for the day, which is also a big feat.
Dancing can improve your cardiovascular health
Photo by Luke Chesser on UnsplashDancing is good cardio and a form of endurance exercise, so it’s linked to improving heart health. Studies have found that dancing makes it likely to die from cardiovascular disease because it improves cardiovascular endurance. If you want to have a stronger heart, adding dancing to your daily routine is one of the habits that will help you achieve better heart health.
It will improve your coordination, balance, and strength
woman standing on dockPhoto by Drew Colins on UnsplashWhen you’re dancing, you’re feeling the music, and you’re just in the zone. You don’t realize that with every twist and turn, you’re working on your coordination, balance, and strength. Dancing works your body from every angle, so all your muscle groups get involved in one way or another. Improved coordination, balance, and strength will help you in your everyday life because they’re essential for movement.
Dancing offers artistic expression
person hand standing on concrete roadPhoto by Keenan Constance on UnsplashDance isn't just about following steps; it’s interpreting and feeling the music, it’s telling a story with your body. Whatever music genre you prefer to move to, dancing will allow you to express yourself in an entirely different way. Whether you're into urban, ballet, cumbia, ballroom, or anything in between, there's a dance style for everyone, and every style has a unique expression. We recommend you explore as many styles as possible to find the one that makes you feel the most alive.
It gives your self-esteem and confidence a boost
Photo by Matthew Hamilton on UnsplashBecause dancing is all about learning how to move your body to express yourself, it’s a great way to improve your self-esteem and confidence. Every time you master a new dance move, you will feel great about yourself and your abilities. With that comes a sense of self-assuredness and confidence in your body. That will feed and strengthen your self-esteem, and even help you overcome body image issues.
