Health Benefits of Hiking

Getting outside and spending time in nature whether you are on a rigorous climb or a simple walk in the woods is so important to feel grounded. Hiking is great for physical and mental health. I have been hiking for the past five or so years and swear by it. Hiking engages your mind, body, and senses all at the same time—it is a total mind body experience.

Hiking works out your core, pushes your cardiovascular health, and builds your muscles. By pushing yourself to climb a difficult trail especially with elevation, you give your heart a great workout. When you exercise your cardiovascular system, you in turn lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Hiking can also be considered a weight bearing exercise since there is climbing involved often with a backpack. Weight bearing exercises are crucial for bone health and osteoporosis prevention. When you are hiking you are also working out your core and improving your balance. The uneven terrain builds abdominal strength as well as leg muscles. Hiking is a total body workout. It works every muscle in your body and can aid in a prevention of a variety of diseases.

Your mind is also exercised when hiking. Surrounding yourself with nature is an organic stress reliever. A simple change in environment from our workspace, houses, and cars strikes creativity and mindfulness. A study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of the Sciences of the United States of America from Stanford researchers showed that hiking has immense mental health benefits. (see article here: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/06/23/1510459112)

Getting outside is an accessible workout for everyone. There is no membership fee to enjoy the outdoors. Taking a break from out day to day urban environments is imperative for mental and physical well being.