As many of us already know, the sport of geocaching can be a great way to exercise and receive the many possible health benefits associated with walking. It is no secret that exercise in various forms (including walking and hiking) carry tremendous health benefits to those who perform the activity on a regular basis. One of the biggest advocates for regular exercise is the American Heart Association. On their website, they provide the following list of benefits associated with exercise:

• Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body
• Keeps weight under control
• Improves blood cholesterol levels
• Prevents and manages high blood pressure
• Prevents bone loss
• Boosts energy level
• Helps manage stress
• Releases tension
• Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
• Improves self-image
• Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism
• Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
• Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
• Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life
• In older people, helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintain quality of life and independence longer

For anyone looking at a low impact form of exercise, walking is for you. It is hard to believe, that with all of the medical advice promoting the health benefits of walking, few people in our society actually take advantage of this free program. According to the group Just Move, “Just 1 in 10 Americans follows a consistent exercise program. Yet, regular physical activity makes a major dent in your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke…” According to another group promoting the health benefits of walking, WHI (Walking the way to Health Initiative), based in the UK, regular walking can improve your:

• Confidence
• Stamina
• Energy
• Weight control
• Life expectancy

The mission statement for the group is simple, 'Walking the way to Health Initiative’ (WHI) aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise or live in areas of poor health. We want to benefit the lives of more than one million people by 2005.

A popular forum topic on the geocaching.com website has often been a discussion on ‘what do you enjoy most’ about geocaching? Many responses to this topic include, the challenge of ‘hide and seek’, being outdoors, enjoying nature, and the opportunity to get out of the house and get active. Geocaching is the perfect activity for anyone looking to start, maintain or expand an exercise routine. When looking at a particular cache to visit, be sure to look at the terrain rating scale. The higher the terrain rating, normally the better workout you’re going to get in finding the particular cache.

Likewise, a person can log a lot of steps walking or hiking looking for the ‘perfect’ cache hiding spot. Scouting different areas for a possible hiding spots can be a great way to exercise. I personally have been known to walk or jog an area many times before the best possible spot for a hide becomes evident. Once the hide has been approved and becomes active, it is also much easier to keep an eye on and maintain the cache if you are able to ‘exercise’ near the location.

Why is walking an excellent form of exercise? According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of the Total Health Program, “Studies have found that walking regularly over a long period of time can reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis and is useful in treating arthritis, high blood pressure and even depression. Studies have even found that it burns the same amount of calories per hour as running, and it is not as strenuous on the body. In addition to physical fitness, walking can also provide psychological benefits. Many walkers say they feel better, sleep better and have a better outlook overall after they start their walking program.”

For anyone looking at a low impact form of exercise, walking is for you. With the addition of a quality walking shoe, walking can provide an injury free health program that can last a lifetime. For most of us, our lives are surrounded by asphalt and concrete. These surfaces can be hard on a daily exercise regimen; invest in a good quality walking shoe. It is also recommended that you replace your walking shoes after 500 miles or 6 months. By doing this, you can provide for the cushion and shock absorption that will minimize long-term damage to your body. In summary, remember that geocaching is a great way to add activity to your healthy lifestyle. And remember, walking can be your ticket to better health.

This article is a collaboration of information from numerous sources. I have made an effort to collaborate, as much of this information as is possible but some information may be incorrect or misleading. For this and other reasons please understand that I am not advising you to take any action based on this article. In the realm of medicine I am specifically recommending seeking the advice of a competent medical caregiver. I am not giving medical or related advice, just a heartfelt opinion.