Take A Hike

 

ambulatory - adj. - able to walk about

Years ago, when we wanted to rid ourselves of someone's presence, we used the creatively idiomatic, "Take a hike!" as opposed to the current pithy, degenerate, "Fuck off!" which has fallen into overuse, losing its profane punch. But this article isn't about verbal expression albeit it could be. It's about the value of being ambulatory, taking literal–not figurative–hikes. 

If you live in California, like I do, you don't think twice about hiking miles as the occasion presents itself constantly. In the past week or so, the digital odometer on my ubiquitous iPhone has clocked over twenty miles, which for a senior over 65 is pretty impressive. Along with one of two partners in ambulation, I traversed Mirror Lake in Yosemite (seven miles), the Hollywood Reservoir (3.5), Huntington Gardens (five), the Baldwin Hills (2.5), and the streets of West Los Angeles (two). In short, we covered swaths of some very beautiful ground and took in some outstanding views along the way. What was even better was that we treated our bodies to some outstanding exercise. 

Just what are the health benefits of taking a hike? According to the U.S. National Park Service, hiking builds strong muscles and bones, which we seniors tend to need in particular as our bones become more brittle as we age. It also improves balance (although I personally keep clear of edges on the way up the sides of steep inclines), heart health, and minimizes the risk of some respiratory problems. It also reduces stress, high blood pressure and cholesterol, the incidence of some cancers, excess weight which could lead to diabetes, and boosts mental health. Unlike meds, it won't rob your wallet. Pretty darn good. 

Hiking is better than ambulating on a treadmill in a gym because it allows for time in the fresh air and provides limitless space. And if you are constantly moving forward, you don't have to worry about any intrusive insects although I would recommend bug repellent if you are planning to hike in some of the national parks as gnats can be a problem. In addition, it is an inexpensive form of socialization, often recommended as a second date–providing you hike in a well-visited area–as it enables you both to enjoy nature, be physically active vertically (before any talk of the horizontal), and chat quietly without distractions.

Wow! Taking a hike is a lot more than I thought it could ever be. Back when we used the idiom in the derogatory sense, we didn't take into consideration all of the pluses of the literal act, which is perhaps why we don't hear the expression used anymore. If you told someone to "Take a hike!" today, the person might understand it to mean that you care deeply about him, her, them. Which is not bad. Hmm. I like it when things change for the better, something you don't see too much these days.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take a hike! 

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