Will Hiking Build Leg Muscle?

You have probably read or heard people talking about how hiking is one of the best exercises you can do. You know it as a great way to get in shape and stay fit. But you are wondering, will hiking build leg muscle? Well, the answer to that is a resounding yes! Here’s how hiking helps build leg muscle.

Hiking is one of the most aerobic exercises you can do. This is because you are using your upper body muscles while hiking, which works out those lower-body muscles that are normally ignored when working out. Also, when you hike, your heart rate goes up which helps burn calories even when you are not walking. Therefore, an additional benefit of hiking is burning calories.

This post contains some affiliate links to products that I use and love. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.

As stated above, this extra workout works out those leg muscles. In fact, you can expect that the harder you push yourself during the exercise, the faster you will see results. This is because your leg muscles burn calories even during the hardest workout of your entire workout routine.

As an added bonus, hiking is also great for your lungs and other cardiovascular fitness. This is because you are getting a great cardio workout as well as working out those muscles. This is especially important if you are trying to lose weight or are trying to become fitter overall.

Of course, there are a lot of other reasons why this type of exercise is a good idea. Hiking is also good for your mental health. Not only is it a great stress reliever, but it is also great for relieving anxiety and depression. When you are forced to take a break from the hectic pace of life and simply have to walk to keep up, you will find that you feel better.

Here Is How Hiking Helps Build Leg Muscle

While you may be wondering how hiking can help you build muscle, the answer is simple. Your leg muscles will grow as a result of your regular workout. You will be building strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, and biceps. In addition to this, your heart will benefit from the cardiovascular workout that you get in the activity, which in turn will strengthen your heart.

While you may be skeptical about hiking build leg muscle, the answer is clear. It is a great way to increase your stamina. Even if you do not have any experience with hiking, it is still a great way to get fit and in shape. When you are walking on the trail or hiking through beautiful scenery, you will be surprised at how good your legs feel after the workout.

Before you start working out, make sure that you have the right type of clothes. Hiking shoes are usually made from rubber or plastic and will provide good traction when you are going over uneven terrain. When it comes to layering for comfort, you can find many shirts and jackets that will work for your workout. Some people like to wear fleece shirts underneath their shirts so they stay warm. Other people like to layer thick sweatshirts with a light jacket over their shirts. If you have never tried this type of layering before, you will find that it works well for your workout routine.

What Muscles Are Used While Hiking?

 Hiking is a great overall workout. But the leg muscles most used during hiking are:

Quads

A primary muscle used on a hiking trip includes the quadriceps which is situated at the front of the thigh. This large group of muscles is constantly engaged while hiking and helps to proper the hiker in a forward motion.

Plus, the quadriceps help to straighten or extend the knee while walking on the trail.

Calves

The calves are constantly engaged in hiking (rear, lower leg) and undergo changes in strength and level of use.

Compared to the strenuous trek that entails walking uphill with a heavy backpack, less stress is imposed on the calves when walking on the flat terrain.

Calf stretches can support the hiker and should be done in order to prevent injury at regular intervals.

Hips

 There are nine different muscle groups that we call ‘hip muscles.‘ These include Adductors, abductors, and flexors.

These muscles help protect the lower back and glutes on a hiking trip and minimize strain problems and maximize shock absorption.

When hiking, the hip muscles are central and should be flexible and limber in order to perform the physical activity properly. The

Abs

It’s important to improve the stability of the abs to alleviate complications during long walks to avoid back injuries.

Solid abdominal muscles help boost support and strength in the core region. The abdominal muscles are useful when walking to support the erect posture by balancing the strain on the back.

Glutes

 Glutes are a collection of muscles that help stabilize your body when participating in all sorts of physical activities.

Glutes are required on a hiking trip to support both the bodyweight and the load of the backpack. Compared to walking on flat ground, you get a much more stringent exercise while hiking uphill.

Simple Exercises To Help Get Your Legs In Shape For Hiking

 To build up your leg muscles, do leg lifts a few times each week. You will find that these exercises are simple to do and will give you an excellent workout. When you lift weights in the gym, you will get tired very quickly, but when you are lifting the weights to build your leg muscle, it will take longer for you to get tired, but you will get stronger as you continue to workout.

Another way that you can build up those leg muscles is to do sprints. When you sprint, you will be working not only your leg muscles but your entire cardiovascular system as well. You will need to be in good shape before you can attempt to do sprints, but if you can start out a little better than you are now, it won’t take long before you can go sprinting for at least 30 minutes without any problems. If you can do more than one sprint per day, then you should do them on alternating days to help with your endurance.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can build your leg muscle while you are hiking. While hiking, be sure that you are resting your legs completely before you perform the exercise. Also, doing your exercises for a few minutes before you eat will give your body the nutrition that it needs for the day. Hopefully, these tips will help you to gain some quick and easy Hiking Muscle.

Can Hiking Replace Leg Day at the Gym?

 Yes and no. If your goal is to bulk up for a competition or weight lifting, the answer is no. You need a more focused workout regimen to target specific leg muscles.

If, however, you just want to strengthen your legs, hiking is a great alternative to the gym. Not only does help you build muscle, it increases balance and works to strengthen your core (as we have seen).

For some, it can be a great substitute for leg day at the gym. There are many people who have found hiking to be a stress reliever and even a hobby. 

Another reason hiking is so popular is that there is so much variety to choose from. Not only is hiking a fun activity, but it also provides many health benefits. You will find that hiking will help you burn a lot more calories – you will be on your way to staying fit. It’s definitely one exercise you don’t want to miss out on.

Final Thoughts on Will Hiking Build Leg Muscle

Hiking is a great overall way to exercise. There are many benefits; strengthening leg muscle is only one of them.

Finally, hiking is a great form of exercise that will help protect your knees and feet. This is because hiking is a strenuous activity and can be very intense on your legs.

If you do not walk often or are a little overweight, then taking a hiking lesson may be in order. A professional instructor can help you learn proper technique and help protect your joints.