If you want to get into hiking, follow the lead of outdoor enthusiasts like Tyler Grasham. Like any new hobby, preparation is required, so remember these simple tips before delving into it blindly.

Stretch Out

If you don’t exercise regularly and you want to take up hiking, that’s fantastic! Remember to be kind to your muscles beforehand, though. It is inadvisable to go into any exercise without preparing them first, so be sure to do some basic stretches to get your muscles ready for your adventure. As Tyler Grasham says, “make sure you plan and prepare well for the trip.”

• Bear in mind that stretching should never be painful. If you are experiencing pain during a stretch, you are probably straining your muscles.
• Warm up your body before stretching: Jumping jacks, sit-ups, etc. Pulling on cold muscles will make them feel stiff and could cause painful spasms.
• Don’t just focus on one body part (only arms or only legs). Get your whole body worked out and ready to go.

Map Your Adventure

No matter where you choose to start your hike, make sure that you are familiar with the area. The last thing you want is to get lost in the woods! If you are going to a location that you don’t know, take some safety precautions first and foremost.

• Map the area out so you don’t get lost. Either print one off of Google maps or see if the trail offers one.
• Invest in a compass. Don’t rely on your phone to have good enough service out in the middle of nowhere. It might seem a little old school, but there’s a reason that compasses are still being sold: They work!
• Bring a friend with you. There is strength in numbers; your companion might remember a landmark or have a good sense of direction, so getting lost might not be as scary.

Footwear

Wearing the right shoes when you hike is key. Your feet will be treading bravely over roots, rocks and heaven knows what else, so be sure that you’ve got the correct footwear strapped on. Shoes with a good tread and grippy soles are best for mountains and trails. Invest in a pair of durable, good-quality hiking boots that will cover your ankles. Also, walk around in them ahead of time to break them in. You don’t want the first time you wear them to be on your hike; holy blisters, Batman!

Whether you’re wanting to get into better shape or just want to explore more of your area, hiking is a great way to get your heart pumping. Being ready and knowing what to expect is important before heading to the great outdoors.