I prefer hikes 5-days or more as I need that long to see a significant fitness gain. I lose a few pounds and feel trim and toned.
The secret to successful weight-loss might just come with hiking boots and a backpack. And we have scientific proof. According to a study from the University of California that studied a whopping 31 diets, cutting back on calories short-term doesn’t help you from packing the pounds back on long-term.
“If dieting worked, there would be a bunch of skinny people walking around,” said obesity researcher Dr. David Katz at Yale in an Associated Press release earlier today.
Since 1970, the number of obese people has swelled to epidemic proportions in America. And even though weight-loss promises come packaged in bottles, expensive diet programs and fat actresses going skinny for their public, there really is no magic bullet.
Nomadik has a suggestion. …
Want to feel better fast? Dig out those hiking boots and take them for a walk.
The best example I know is Rob, the Former Fat Guy. He was 175lbs in Grade 5, 320lbs in Grade 12, and eventually topped out around 500lbs at age-21.
Here is Rob hiking the West Coast Trail in 2004:
How does he look to you?
Former Fat Guy – weight loss story
Former Fat Guy – WCT 2004 trip report
West Coast Trail information page. (Opening late due to storm repairs, about May 15th in 2007)
besthike.com 
Sad how so many people just don’t care enough about their weight to actively do what it takes to maintain a HEALTHY weight. Cook a healthy meal when potato chips and Mickey D’s is easier? Go for a walk after dinner when American Idol will be on? No… it’s easier to be fat and lazy. Yay America!!!