Hiking can be something that people either do for fun or out of necessity.
It is an integral part of many camping trips.
Then again, many people living in mountainous areas have to undergo difficult journeys for the simplest things, like going to school or seeing a neighbor.
For whatever reason you choose to do hiking, you will need to build your endurance so that you can complete your trip on time.
Learning endurance breathing can be a bit challenging because it can go against your body's instinctual responses to a situation when you are short of breath.
As much as you might want to pant or mouth breathe, this is actually less efficient.
In addition, breathing through your mouth means that air passes into your lungs with fewer filtering mechanisms: a bit of a risk if you are allergic to dust and/or pollen.
It may take a great deal of practice, but you can learn to control or even change your instinctual responses.
It might help if you practice another sport or exercise regularly.
Running breathing can easily be adapted for use in hiking.
If you are used to taking a run or jog every day, you will probably do better than somebody who has not gotten their body used to exercise before taking a big hiking trip.
However, the results are well worth it.
You will be able to hike longer and faster, going farther up those kinds of big hills that look more like little mountains and offer a spectacular view from the top.
Of course, if you have to live in a mountainous area, the practical benefits are numerous, especially if the roads are not in any condition to support motorized vehicles.
Breathing exercises can also help you negotiate tricky parts of your climb.
People often stiffen their muscles when trying to keep their balance.
You will probably find yourself doing this while going up or down a steep slope.
Ironically, a stiff body often worsens a person's balance.
Relaxing your body by keeping calm (despite your fears of falling over) and breathing in a controlled manner can keep you sure-footed as you make your way up or down.
If you are more relaxed and confident about your hiking skills, you are less likely to turn around halfway through and go back down.
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature at the same time.
The spectacular panorama around you is much more inviting than a sterilized gym, full of squeaking machines and the smell of several dozen other sweaty people.
However, you can only get the full enjoyment out of the hiking experience if you keep at it for a few hours at a time.
Increase your endurance, and you will be able to have a wonderful time.
Exercises like jogging, running and wall-climbing are certainly very useful, but improved respiration can also help you to keep going.
It may even help you to hike more safely, especially if you are in a remote area.