What makes a healthy society? Residents who value their health and good lifestyle practices.

The Main Ridge Forest Fitness Challenge was recently held by the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development. Our island gives people who want to improve their health a myriad of landscapes to explore, from its beaches to hilly terrains. You can challenge yourself physically and take in the environment’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re now starting your fitness journey or have been exercising consistently, there are many options besides the island’s forest, including the Argyle Waterfall Trail. You can even hike to the beach. This week, put on your walking shoes and get ready for both improved health and an outdoor adventure.

The benefits of hiking include:

Building stronger muscles and bones– hiking helps to reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis by increasing your bone density and slowing the rate of calcium loss.

Improving your sense of balance-hiking utilises many of the body’s major muscle groups. Climbing uphill engages the knees, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, while hiking downhill strengthens your feet, ankles, and hips.

An increase in endorphins and decrease in anxiety-hiking helps to release endorphins by your body, which improves your mood throughout the day.

Though Tobago’s the smaller of our twin-island nation, with our scenic rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches, the island provides some of the best views for hikers in the Caribbean.