Hiking: using nature to restore the mind, body & soul

When Audrey Peterman and:her husband decided in 1995 to hike around the country for 10 weeks, they were astonished at what they saw. During the entire experience, Peterman only counted two other African-Americans out of thousands of tourists who visited the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and other popular hiking attractions.

"When we came back from the trip, we thought, 'How is it that these natural treasures, which attract millions of visitors from all over the world, are not being enjoyed by African-Americans--and our tax dollars pay for them,'" Peterman says.

She concluded that the majority of African-Americans avoid the outdoor scenery for the following reasons: They aren't aware of how hiking and other outdoor activities can improve their lives, and they feel uninvited because, during the marketing promotions, the faces on the outdoor hiking material are rarely those of African-Americans.

Peterman and her husband decided to make a difference by forming their own organization in Atlanta to inform African-Americans about the beauty and benefits of hiking outdoors. Apparently, their efforts are working. As the president of Earthwise Productions, Inc.,

Peterman has noticed an increase in African-American hikers compared to 10 years ago. She points out that the organization's Pick Up & Go newsletter has contributed to the change.

Heru-Ka Anu shares a story similar to Peterman's. During elementary school, he spent time hiking, and his enjoyment continued to increase as an adult. But the lack of African-Americans involved in hiking organizations disturbed him, so he set out to change it.

Today, the 49-year-old from Baltimore is the CEO of Journey African-American Outdoor Sports Association, a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 that gives African-Americans the opportunity to participate in outdoor sports while connecting with an environment many were unaware of.

According to Peterman, Anu and other experts, the world of hiking offers numerous benefits--physically, spiritually and mentally--that many participants enjoy.

BENEFITS OF HIKING

Many long-term benefits, in addition to weight loss, can be expected when the body engages in hiking several times a week for 30 minutes or longer. According to the American Hiking Society, hiking can decrease hypertension, which affects many African-Americans, and contributes to improving health in other areas, including heart disease, decreasing cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes, preventing osteoporosis and relieving back pain.

"We have many health issues within the African-American community that can certainly be medicated by a healthy lifestyle that could be engendered by getting into hiking," says Reginald Hagood, senior vice president for strategic initiatives for the Student Conservation Association.

* STRESS RELIEF

Experts say seeing nature's beauty along the trail can immediately relieve stress. People forget their worries and relax while they're on the trail. Hikers are usually calmed by the sounds of birds, listening to the soothing sound of water, or using nature's sound of still silence to clear their thoughts.

* A TIME TO REFLECT AND CONNECT WITH YOURSELF

Delano Garner hiked for years in the Northern California area. He started a hiking group for young African-American teenage males to introduce them to life beyond the inner city. The 41-year-old uses the time on the hiking trails to share his wisdom with the young male participants.

"There's something about being quiet and still long enough to hear your own truth. That happens in hiking, and I don't really get that any other place in my life" Garner says passionately.

* EXERCISE

People often dread working out when their routine becomes boring and predictable. Hiking is a great physical exercise, an effective calorie burner and an enjoyable workout experience that can constantly change.

The muscles are constantly moving during hiking and the activity can last 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the individual's comfort level.

Experts constantly recommend walking to shed those extra, unwanted pounds, and hiking can help to maintain weight and boost the cardiovascular system.

ITEMS NEEDED

Hiking does not require a lot of money or equipment to get started. Experts recommend the following items:

* HIKING SHOES are the most important item in which to invest your money. You will need to be comfortable because you will be on your feet for a long time. A good pair of hiking shoes can cost less than $100 and should last at least three years. It is recommended that you purchase hiking shoes from an outdoor store.

* DAYPACK. Your daypack should contain plenty of water, nutritious energy boosters, raingear, a first-aid kit, flashlight, insect repellant and a blanket for resting purposes.

* A MAP AND A COMPASS. So you don't get lost.

* A HIKING STICK. This item absorbs the shift the strain puts on the body as hikers go up or down hills.

* A CAMERA (optional).