The Joy and Benefits of Hiking

The Main Reading Text

Hiking is a wonderful activity that is very good for your body. When you hike, you make your heart, muscles, and even your bones stronger. Walking on uneven trails helps improve your balance, which means you can move without falling easily. You can choose easy, short hikes or harder ones that go up hills to make your body work more.

Hiking is also great for your mind. Being outside in nature with fresh air often makes you feel happy. In Japan, people practice "forest bathing," which is walking slowly in the forest to feel calm. A walk in nature can help you feel less sad or worried.

It is very easy to start hiking. You just need a pair of good, comfortable shoes. It is very important to bring water to drink and maybe some snacks for longer walks. You can hike with family or friends, and it's a great way to have fun exploring the outdoors!

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Key Learning Points

點擊下方的頁籤，切換不同的學習重點。

hike

n. & v.

[haɪk] — 健行

A long walk, especially in the countryside or mountains.

• We plan to hike the entire Appalachian Trail next year.
  我們計畫明年要走完整條阿帕拉契小徑。
• The afternoon hike to the waterfall was refreshing.
  下午到瀑布的健行之旅令人心曠神怡。

muscle

n.

[ˋmʌsl] — 肌肉

One of many tissues in the body that can be tightened and relaxed to produce movement.

• He strained a muscle in his back while lifting the heavy box.
  他在搬重箱子時拉傷了背部的一塊肌肉。
• Regular exercise is essential for building strong muscles.
  規律運動對於建立強壯的肌肉至關重要。

trail

n.

[trel] — 小徑；步道

A path through a natural environment like a forest or mountain.

• The park has a beautiful nature trail that circles the lake.
  這座公園有一條環繞湖泊的優美自然步道。
• Follow this trail for about a mile to reach the scenic overlook.
  沿著這條小徑走大約一英里，就能到達觀景台。

balance

n.

[ˋbæləns] — 平衡

The ability to keep your body in a steady position so that you do not fall.

• A good sense of balance is crucial for activities like yoga.
  良好的平衡感對於像瑜珈這樣的活動至關重要。
• The company strives to find a balance between profit and social responsibility.
  公司努力在利潤和社會責任之間找到一個平衡點。

nature

n.

[ˋnetʃɚ] — 大自然

All the animals, plants, and other things in the world that are not made by people.

• I love spending time in nature, away from the noise of the city.
  我喜歡在遠離城市喧囂的大自然中度過時光。
• The documentary explores the brutal nature of the animal kingdom.
  這部紀錄片探討了動物王國殘酷的本性。

comfortable

a.

[ˋkʌmfətəbl] — 舒適的

Providing physical ease and relaxation.

• These new sneakers are incredibly comfortable to walk in.
  這雙新的運動鞋走起路來非常舒適。
• He has a comfortable life with a stable job and a loving family.
  他有份穩定的工作和一個充滿愛的家庭，過著安逸的生活。

explore

v.

[ɪkˋsplor] — 探索

To travel to or around a place in order to learn about it.

• The team of scientists will explore the deep-sea trenches for new species.
  這組科學家將探索深海海溝以尋找新物種。
• As a child, I loved to explore the woods behind my house.
  小時候，我喜歡探索我家後面的樹林。