Health Benefits of Hiking

 Drita Bronkey is a consultant at Zemer Property Management Consultants (ZPMC). Yoga, spin cycling, reading, and hiking are some of Drita's hobbies.

Hiking is a physical activity that involves people taking a long, brisk walk, typically through a natural environment like a lake, forest, or field. Studies have shown that hiking can improve individuals' health.

One of the health benefits of hiking is that it helps improve participants' bone density. Since it is a high-impact and weight-bearing exercise, hiking improves bone density by strengthening the bone tissue. Bone density refers to the number of minerals in the bone, and high bone density reduces the risk of osteoporosis and prevents broken bones. Also, from sun exposure, hikers can get their dose of vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones because it is essential for calcium absorption.

Furthermore, hiking can help battle stress and depression. Being close to nature can help relieve stress and impact one's mood positively, according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University. Also, studies have found that depression could result from a deficiency in vitamin D. So, getting vitamin D from the sun while hiking may help combat depression.

Finally, hiking can help improve participants' sleep quality. Studies have shown that exercising and being outdoors or close to nature can help develop regular sleep patterns. Since hiking is an outdoor exercise, it can improve participants' sleep quality.

Hiking Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail

A real estate management professional in the small Northwestern New Mexico town of Mentmore, New Mexico, Drita Bronkey serves as a consultant with Zemer Property Management Consultants. When she isn’t working, Drita Bronkey is an avid hiker.

A scenic desert loop in the greater Mentmore area, the Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail covers 12 miles and supports mountain bikers and runners, as well as hikers. It also allows dogs, both on and off leash.

The trail weaves around and stretches up and down two desert mesas. Hikers travel through terrain that is sandy, rocky, and covered with various forms of vegetation. After climbing to the top of the highest mesa through several switchbacks, they encounter rolling terrain that is dotted with unique and striking rock features. In the lowlands on the return section of the loop, hikers cross over exposed rock ledges and pass through a cairn garden. Zia Rides uses the Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail as the site of its annual Dawn Til' Dusk event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Gallup’s Bikemobile program.