Despite what a catalog from your local sporting store might lead you to believe, not every single person who actively hikes is a model. In reality, hiking is a sport enjoyed by many different people around the globe.
Most hikers are not the super-fit few you are continually bombarded with on social media. Hiking for fat people can feel like an entire battle against social standards.
People with unique body types are blazing trails every single day, and that includes overweight folks who are just as happy to get out into nature as everyone else.
Many people have the idea that only incredibly fit people are hiking the best and most beautiful trails, but that is simply a lie perpetuated by social media.
You don't need to be a specific size to enjoy spending time out strolling in nature. Everyone has a different body that will help carry them up the mountain just like anyone else's.
Nature has no rules about what anyone should look like, but some considerations can be helpful for those looking to spend time on the mountain and bringing a little extra weight to the table.
Hiking Tips
1. Know You Belong There
If there is one thing we truly can't stand, it is the kind of person out in nature who knowingly sets out to judge people.
Nature is a space that belongs to everyone. There is no right or wrong body to take into nature, and anyone who says otherwise is lying to themselves.
The sad truth is that some people harbor a kind of hate in their hearts that manifests itself in the most unpleasant ways.
Since a big part of enjoying nature is to step back from the stresses of daily life and open yourself up to nature, it is essential to remember that you belong on that mountain just as much as anyone else.
You deserve to be out there in your favorite hiking clothes, breathing fresh air and having a grand old time.
Since we want you to have the best possible time on your hike, let us be the first to say: ignore the haters and live your best life.
Do not get caught up in the idea of whether you deserve to be there. You do. Get out there and explore the world around you.
2. Consider Any Medical Conditions
This is not a section that will assume that you have any medical condition simply because you are a heavier person. Still, depending on some of the factors commonly associated with being overweight, you might want to consider how these could impact you.
If you have high or low blood pressure or a condition like diabetes, you will need to go into your hike prepared if this could be impacted. Some of these conditions are known to interact with certain activities in some regard.
You might find that you experience unfortunate problems at higher elevations or if you strain your body too hard. However, this doesn't have to stop you.
All you need to do is focus on living your best life and taking care of yourself.
If you need medication, take it. Think about what problems you might run into and act accordingly.
Editor's note: If you use prescription medication-including GLP-1 drugs for obesity and weight loss-consider discussing strenuous activity and extended travel with your healthcare provider. Plan ahead so you can follow your normal dosing and storage instructions while staying adequately hydrated and nourished on the trail.
It is simply a matter of understanding your body's needs so you can spend less time feeling bad and more time living your best life.
3. Always Talk with Your Doctor First
This is something every single person should do before starting a new physical activity, and it can truly save lives.
In some instances, we might not be able to do something effectively at a certain point in time.
It could result in complications or even injury if something went wrong.
Consulting a physician about the quality of exercise that your body can reasonably sustain can do you a lot of good.
While you will probably be just fine either way, understanding that many factors are at work behind the scenes and acting accordingly is crucial for getting the most out of your hiking experience.
Your doctor can likely offer you some incredibly beneficial tips to help you successfully get the most out of your hiking experience.
Doctors are great for recommending what might help or hurt us, so chatting with your doctor in advance can save you a lot of time and effort.
4. Manage Any Chafing
Chafing is a genuine problem, particularly for people who will spend a prolonged time actively moving. For those who are heavier, chafing can come at a much higher risk.
Suppose you want to get the most out of your hike while staying comfortable.
It can be helpful to recognize what parts of your body naturally rub together when you walk, then consider any other problem areas that might exist.
There is nothing worse than realizing halfway through a hike that you are chafed to an uncomfortable state and having to endure it throughout the rest of the walk as it slowly gets worse.
There are a variety of products on the market that can help with this.
You can choose from specific clothing, helpful accessories, or even certain balms and creams to ensure you don't spend more time focusing on the areas where your skin touches than on taking in the stunning sights and sounds of the world around you.
5. Find the Right Clothes
A common complaint from plus-sized individuals is that the fashion industry does not cater to them.
This is a problem for several different reasons. First, you want to be comfortable while you're on your hike. Second, you want to wear something that you look and feel good in.
In many cases, plus-sized clothes are not made for plus-sized people. Often, stores do not provide the right kind of clothing for people to wear.
The larger sizes are not large enough, and even the genuinely plus-sized clothing options are just larger versions of existing clothing lines. They are larger but do not accommodate the body shapes of truly plus-sized people.
The fact that these clothes aren't shaped right isn't just insulting. It's downright problematic, particularly when it comes to wearing clothes that you will be active in.
The last thing you want is your clothes to be tight in one spot and constantly rubbing against your skin. This is one problem that will only get worse over time, so do your research and find good clothing options.
Fortunately, the modern world now understands that catering to a single body type is just unforgivable.
You can find plenty of fantastic companies online and in-store that are ready to help you get your fabulous fitness outfit on so you can be comfortable and prepared to take on the trails.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
This is a rule of thumb that is important for everyone who plans to go hiking, and we do not want you to forget it.
Staying hydrated while hiking is crucial for the overall success of your experience. Hydration is what keeps your muscles healthy, boosts your energy levels, and lets you think clearly.
Packing enough water is essential before setting out on a hike. Whether you are using a backpack with a bladder or just grabbing a bunch of water bottles and shoving them in a bag, make sure you hydrate.
Drink water before you go hiking, while you're hiking, and after your hike. Water is crucial for your body to function at its best. Make sure that you go out prepared.
7. Have Proper Arch Support
For those who are bigger by nature, it is possible to find certain bodily strains that other people might not be acquainted with. One area where this is prevalent is the feet.
As you log miles hiking on your trail of choice, consider the fact that your feet are going to feel the strain of carrying you from place to place.
Most people experience this in one form or another, but it can be exacerbated more quickly for people who are a bit heavier.
You might have incredibly strong feet and arches, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your need for quality shoes or inserts.
Make sure your feet have the support they need to carry you safely and comfortably. This is one golden rule that all of us should follow.
Don't miss out on a pleasant hiking experience because your feet hurt.
Conclusion
The reality is that hiking when you are larger isn't any different than hiking when you are smaller.
You might want to make a few considerations depending on your health, but we are smart enough now to know that size is not an indicator of health.
The most important part of this process is to focus on treating your body well.
If you make sure to listen to your body and address your own needs, you will be thrilled to find you are in for a wonderful, pleasant hiking experience.
There is a lot of stigma around exercise and activity for people who don't necessarily fit the mold society paints.
Time and time again, we are greeted with stories of people who are made to feel unwelcome because of how they look, and we are here to say that there is no room at all for that kind of negativity when you are out on the trail.
Leave society's opinions back home and head out into the trees. You belong with all of the other beautiful things in nature.
