These days the newspapers are full of warnings and research centered on many cultures becoming more obese and less mobile. In the U.S., the media has even reported on the cities with the "fattest population..." One of the many benefits from geocaching is actually a byproduct of the game. As many already know, the activity surrounding the hiding and seeking of geocaches is a great form of exercise.

Exercise can be defined as ‘activity for developing the body and/or mind. Geocaching is a perfect sport for developing, maintaining and promoting physical and mental fitness for yourself and your family.

These days the newspapers are full of warnings and research centered on many cultures becoming more obese and less mobile. In the U.S., the media has even reported on the cities with the "fattest population" (not sure how they determine the results). Anyway you look at it, now more than ever, people are looking at ways to shed the pounds and live a healthier life. Thanks to geocaching, we now have a new weapon on the war against the bulge.

First, lets look at the physical benefits of geocaching. It is not difficult to determine that walking through the woods, city parks and city streets involves motion that stimulate and utilize cardio vascular and muscular exertion. In other words, walking is a great form of exercise. Fitness experts have determined that the average person (I know geocachers are not average or normal) should be taking 10,000 steps per day. That is roughly five miles.

My fitness regimen consists of running/jogging 3 miles per day on average 3 days per week. In addition, I walk 2-3 miles per day on the days that I’m not running. Using a pedometer, I have calculated that when I jog, it averages about 1600 steps per mile.

Using a pedometer can be a fun and easy way to chart your geocaching exercise. On the other hand (or foot), when I walk, the average step goes up to 1800 steps per mile. Each person will vary on the steps per mile depending on length of your stride.

Using a pedometer (step meter) can be a fun and easy way to chart your geocaching exercise. And as most geocachers will admit, we are all about techno gadgets. Most of us love tech gadgets.

I would recommend that you go out and buy a dependable pedometer. Currently, McDonald’s restaurant (in many areas) is giving away a free pedometer with the purchase of a salad combo meal. These are great entry-level devices. However, more accurate models are available for around $20 at most sports stores.

An important part of physical fitness is to properly hydrate your body. That means drink plenty of water before, during and after you exercise.

One way to assure that you hydrate properly is to set the timer on your wristwatch (another must for people serious about physical fitness) to beep every 15 to 20 minutes. Each time the alarm goes off, force yourself to take a cool refreshing break. Most of you will welcome the interruption each time.

Another great product on the market today is something called fitness water. A popular brand name is Propel by the makers of Gatorade. This beverage is essentially flavored water to make hydration easier. The fitness water is low in calories and contains the electrolytes that are popular in the mainstream sports drinks like Gatorade.

Another benefit of exercise is the mental development that also becomes a byproduct of the activity.A popular phrase among athletes and active adults is ‘ use it or lose it.’ This also applies to the organ in our head. Most of us already know that finding and hiding geocaches can at times take a considerable amount of concentration. It is true that physical exercise is good for mental health, according to the experts, but it is also important to exercise the mind.

A popular phrase among athletes and active adults is ‘ use it or lose it.’ This also applies to the organ in our head. Geocaching offers an excellent opportunity to exercise our minds. When looking for caches to find on your next geocahing trip be sure to include puzzle caches, multi-caches and caches that involve a higher degree of concentration in order to find.

Likewise, hiding a geocache can also become a well thought out activity that requires a lot of concentration and clever thought in order to make the caching experience one that the finder will never forget. By far, the most memorable caches finds for me have been the caches that took the most effort. Either because of the physical effort involved or because of the mental concentration required.

In conclusion, remember that exercising both physical and mental are important attributes to a healthy lifestyle. Find a way to include exercise into each and everyday. Also remember that the benefits are not only for you but people and parents that exercise are passing on a healthy legacy to their kids, grandkids and the future generations of geocachers to come.