When I’m up in the California Sierra Nevada’s, I don’t need a scientific team along to let me know that I’m burning more calories when I hike at that altitude. I know it by how fit I feel and look after a long weekend of fun activity!
This study is interesting though because it confirms that hiking at altitude is indeed an excellent way to get in shape. Doctor Florian Lippl of the Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital in Munich, Germany conducted a study of 20 obese men. He sent them to the top of Zugspitze. They stayed their for a week, eating their normal foods, exercising a normal amount. What happened? Well they lost about 3 pounds each, and after they returned to Munich, Germany, they were still burning calories faster than normal.
Now there’s no excuse not to head to the mountains… 😉 And to prevent altitude sickness, check out these Hiking Lady tips for High Altitude Hiking. Enjoy!