A former senior safety engineer during the Tesla SolarCity build-out in Buffalo, New York, Keith Walter Pillich serves as an environmental, health, and safety specialist at Vlado Engineering, and has over 30 years of experience in the field. In his free time, Keith W. Pillich enjoys hiking.
Hiking is one of the best ways to exercise and maintain a healthy life. According to a study concluded by Stanford University, going out in nature and hiking reduces stress, lowers the risk of depression, and improves general mood. The study reveals and explains how people who take a walk for 90 minutes in a natural environment rather than an urban setting tend to have less activity on the side of the brain that is associated with depression. Researchers say walking in nature also has positive effects on mood and cognitive functions such as memory, while relieving anxiety.
Hiking is also a good cardio workout to improve blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Walking and hiking are weight-bearing exercises, and therefore improve strength, muscle tone, and bone density. Combined with climbing, hiking enhances the sense of balance and flexibility.
