engleski

Walking outdoors: Voices from Medvednica

It is well known that people want to know how to improve personal health. Many are interested in simple exercises that can last a lifetime. The benefits, mental and physical, of exercise are well documented, yet, many choose to remain inactive. There is a need for more research concerning those who continue to exercise. The purpose of this study was to understand more about the experience of those who are hiking and walking on Medvednica Mountain Nature Park near Zagreb, Croatia. 122 hikers and walkers on-site were interviewed with general questions about the walking experience on Medvednica. The interviewers made written records of responses during the interview, on which qualitative analysis were carried out. The findings center around three main experiences: 1. Nature and outdoors, 2. Benefits – Mental and Physical, 3. Interaction with others, and the self. There are specific benefits, mental and physical for walking on a daily basis. Second, if the person can walk outside in a natural setting this will add to the exercise by bringing the individual close to the natural world. These people have found a simple way to negate the impact of living in modern society. This research suggests that civic organizations should promote walking as a way of life. There were many people who avoided us ; and for some it was obvious we were becoming a constraint to their walking experience.

Walking ; Hiking ; Leisure ; Nature ; Qualitative Research

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