- By - Yashu Goyal
- On - 2022-06-08
Tired after your hike? How to beat Post Hike Fatigue
Have you recently completed your first hiking trip? Congrats! After your hike, you might find yourself suffering from symptoms of post hike fatigue. This fatigue can impact your body and mind for weeks after the fact. It tempting to jump back into your regular routine but taking time to properly recover from post hike fatique is an important part of being fit and healthy all year long, and this article will explain what causes post hike fatigue and how to fight it.
The causes of post hike fatigue are not fully understood but research has shown that some of the causes include:
Dehydration - Dehydration can cause post-exercise fatigue because it reduces blood flow to your heart, which reduces its ability to pump blood throughout your body. When this happens, you may feel weak and tired due to lack of oxygen reaching your muscles. Dehydration also increases your core body temperature which can make you feel fatigued as well.
Lack of sleep - If you don't get enough sleep before heading out on a hike there's a good chance that Post Hike Fatique will hit you sooner rather than later due to lack of energy reserves needed for hiking long distances without taking breaks every few minutes!
Poor nutrition - Eating healthy foods helps increase your energy levels so eating junk food before heading out on any kind of physical activity can lead to feeling fatigued during or after exercise quickly!
Now that we know what can cause post hike fatigue, we can prepare ourselves for it. Some of the ways to fight it are as follows:
1. When Preparing For a Hike, it's Important to Know Your Limits.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re planning a trip soon, it’s important to know what your limits are so that you don’t end up having to call for help. Make sure all members of your group are physically fit enough for the type of hike you're planning on doing. If someone has recently injured themselves or had surgery, it might not be a good idea for them to go on long hikes right away or do anything that requires heavy lifting or carrying heavy gear around with them (like backpacking).
2. Eat a Good Meal Before You Hike
Eating a good meal before hiking is essential for your health and safety. It can also help you avoid getting lost. The best way to fuel up for a hike is with a meal that includes carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Don't go into a hike on an empty stomach — it's not safe and it can lead to muscle cramping and fatigue. Eat a healthy meal that includes whole grains and lean protein at least two hours before leaving home. If possible, eat something similar in the morning before you leave for your hike.
Drink lots of water. You might think you're getting enough fluids from your food, but hiking can make you sweat more than usual — especially in hot weather. Plan on drinking at least 2 liters of water per day when hiking in warm weather or high altitudes where you're exerting yourself more than normal.
3. Choose Supportive Footwear, and Let Your Feet Relax
Your feet are one of the hardest working parts of your body. They carry you wherever you want to go and help you maintain balance as you walk. But because they work so hard, they also need extra support and protection.
To keep your feet healthy and happy, wear supportive footwear that has plenty of padding in the right places. Look for shoes that have a good arch support, are made of breathable materials, and are built on a sturdy base with good traction.
The right shoes can help prevent foot problems like bunions, corns, calluses and blisters — all of which can make it difficult or painful to walk comfortably.
Let your feet relax during your hiking and after the hike. If you are hiking in boots, keep them on for a while once you get back to camp. If you are wearing shoes, remove them and let your feet breathe.
4. Don't overpack!
Packing for any trek is a challenge, but it can be especially tricky if you have limited space in your backpack. If you're hiking for the first time, it's important to pack light and efficiently so that your gear will not only fit, but also be useful on the trail.
It's tempting when packing up all of our gear to try and squeeze everything into one bag — especially when we're headed out with friends who have packed the same amount of stuff as us! But this isn't always a good idea because it can lead to extra weight and unnecessary stress on our bodies during long treks.
Don't let being caught unaware ruin your next hiking adventure. Take some time to consider the things you'll need to bring with you, and then make sure that everything is accounted for and ready to go before you head out. The last thing you want to do during a hike is be uncomfortable, so take the time to ensure that you're ready and comfortable (and hydrated!).