An article on Health.com discusses how to get into hiking, an activity that’s great for your heart and overall health, and it’s fun.

Some tips:

• Prepare yourself for a good walk. A real hike is much
  different than a stroll in the park.
• Use yoga and other stretching to prepare your body and step
  aerobics or stair-climbing and lower-body strength training to prepare your
  legs.
• Bring lots of water and be sure to drink often.
• Eat protein-rich snacks, such as fruit or nuts.
• Buy a good, comfortable pair of hiking boots and make sure
  you break them in well before your hike.
• Be safe. Hike with friends or join a hiking club.