Couch to Peak: The Benefits to Hiking

What are the benefits to Hiking?

Hiking is a natural exercise with many benefits.

Benched on the couch at 370lbs, to climbing West Virginia’s highest peaks. I’ve lost over 200 pounds the Natural Way. Simply by eating for my frame and hiking regularly.

Embark on a journey with me;  Let’s explore the benefits to Hiking. Get off the couch, go find your peak!

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I’ve been an adventurer my entire life.

I’ve always had the urge and thought of “let’s go somewhere“.

Even as a small child, I liked going places and getting out of the house.

One of my biggest “faults” is that I’ve never liked staying home.

I’d rather do something.

Couch to Peak

In the very beginning; I knew I had to do something.

At my heaviest, I was 370lbs.

In June 2021; I was 355lbs.

My weight problem was getting to be too much. All I wanted to do was sit down!

I made the decision.

I was ready to change.

All I have to do is “stick with it”.

This is my first “gym selfie”.

100% honest; physical activity sucks when you’re 300+ pounds. I remember being so out of breath.

In fact, I was more diet focused than exercise focused for the first several months.

Getting under 300lbs; my mobility became much better.

Everything became much easier.

Black Water Falls/Lindy Point/Downtown Davis/ Sirianni’s Cafe was the very first full “day hike” for our family; we’ve regularly enjoyed many since.

January 2022 I realized that happiness doesn’t come from “things”. My resolution was

Buy less, Create more.

In the tune of creating more;

Let’s explore, hike, and create memories! 

By Summer of 2022; our family began hiking nearby places at least once or twice a week. Sometimes three times!

Chimney Top was one of my longest and most difficult hikes. At 7.2 miles. Crazy elevation gains, too.

I was alone.

Harper’s Ferry was a climb! At over 5 miles; it was the longest hike we’ve done (to date) with “kids and dogs”.

How do I become a hiker?

I did not actually set out to hike. Or plan to become a “hiker”. It kinda found it’s way to me.

Exercise was something I never really participated in. My excuses were either:

“I don’t have time”

“I don’t feel like it”

or

“I do a lot of walking at work”.

In June 2021; my first month of making changes. I was boosted by morale. I went to the gym (once or twice) and walked the rail trail (once or twice).

It was uncomfortable. The breathing, back pain, the exertion. I did not enjoy it. At all.

A new excuse emerged;

“It will be easier to exercise when I’m under 300lbs”

Exercising over 300lbs

Exercising over 300lbs is a lot of weight to carry as you propel forward.

It’s like, exertion in its purest form.

I recall from experience, it’s not easy. The numbers are crazy, though! It shows how much energy it takes.

Here’s a few other benefits and reasons I why I love day hikes:

• Waterfalls!
• Cliff views!
• Natural wonders!
• Being surrounded by trees
• Dirt>Sidewalks
• Finding little lizards
• Seeing birds and wildlife
• Discovering the strange and unusual
• The best stories come from the woods
• 100% free entertainment (just pay gasoline!)
• Builds appreciation for all Creation
• Builds strong legs and muscles
• Builds strong heart and lungs
• Helps de-stress and refocus mentally
• Gives insight to gratitude
• Brings a closer connection between you and those who trek the journey with you.
• Burns lots of calories! (I almost forgot that one)

How do I go from Couch to Peak?

Everyone has a journey.

In fact; doing something is a journey. Doing nothing is a journey.

Bring awareness to your life. You are so loved. You have potential. You have purpose. What’s stopping you? What’s getting in the way?

Faith moves mountains.

Nothing is impossible.

Find your reason.

Make the commitment.

“Stick with it”.

Only Reasons, No excuses.

Fully aware. No fault. No blame.

Every consequence has a choice. Each choice has a consequence.

Make the right choices and the most loving decisions.

Always Committed Everyday.

Encouraging others ACE to their goals!

THIS is the journey of LIFE!

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