Hey there!
Have you ever thought about the amazing benefits hiking provides us?
Then you came to the right place!
In today’s article, I thought it would be a great idea to share some amazing healthy benefits of hiking I think you should know.
Without further ado, Let’s go jump into the article.
For more information on hiking, the hiking society has some great information. You can check them out at https://www.americanhiking.org
Take a Hike: Why I started hiking
It’s time for a moment of truth here:
I have not always been as healthy and active as I am today. During the college years and a few years after, I wasn’t taking very good care of myself, and I had gotten away from my first love which was the outdoors.
The days of sitting behind a computer all day and not eating right just wasn’t doing it for me anymore.
But I knew I needed to change the direction my life was headed and that I wanted to spend some more time outside.
I knew there was some benefits to hiking, so I said yes to challenging hikes and pushed myself way past my comfort zone- many times.
As my confidence grew, so did my outdoor skills and ability to take on more challenging hikes. Over time, I built a relationship with the outdoors that has truly transformed my life for the better.
So fast forward, 10 years later, hiking has everything to do with why I’m so enthusiastic about encouraging others to get outside.
So why take a hike?
There are obvious benefits of hiking like good exercise and getting outside. However, the reasons to pursue hiking go far beyond the physical benefits.
It has always been the 405 Voyager’s mission to influence everyday people to get outside and get connected with nature.
7 Healthy Benefits of Hiking You Need to Know
#1. Improved Lower Body Strength
Hiking activates your legs and spine for a lower body workout unlike any other. The result of hiking you might ask.
Stronger quads, hamstrings, glutes, and a stronger back make you even better prepared for even more hiking. You’ll notice more ease when taking the stairs, improved lifting ability, and added power for other lower body exercises.
#2. Reduces Stress and Depression
When you take a hike, you reap the benefits of reducing stress and depression. I’m a huge fan of hiking, but I’m even a bigger fan of taking care of your mental health.
Results showed that those who went on a 90-minute walk through a natural environment reported reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment.
So, with that being said, take a hike in the outdoors. Leave the asphalt behind you and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
#3. Hiking Can Increase Bone Density.
Bone density refers to the amount of bone mineral in your bones. High bone density is important as we get older and helps us reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
High impact and weight-bearing exercises like hiking help to improve bone density by strengthening the bone tissue.
For this to be effective, I recommend a more moderate to high-level exercise like taking the stairs. The steep path is more beneficial to building bone density than walking on a flat trail.
#4. Hiking Improves Balance.
As you walk along any trail, your leg and core muscles are constantly engaging and contracting to provide stability and balance.
As these core stabilizing muscles strengthen over time, balance improves.
When you take a hike, the brain is processing every rock and root and gauging what it will take to step over obstacles, and as a result, balance improves.
#5. Hiking Helps with Weight Loss.
I have lost nearly 40lbs due to getting outside and hiking. Although this might not be everyone’s goal, but this hobby has a way of shedding some weight.
The number of calories burned during a hike depends on a lot of factors like weight, gender, and aerobic intensity.
I have also been a believer in scenery. It’s easier for me to hike for an hour somewhere beautiful vs walking on treadmill inside my garage.
#6. Sunshine and Fresh Air.
Nothing beats exercising in the sunlight while breathing in fresh air. When exposed to sunlight, your skin creates much-needed vitamin D. Sunlight exposure also releases serotonin, which will allow you to feel calm and stay focused.
It also helps balance your circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep.
#7. Exposure to Nature.
Moments spent among towering trees and majestic mountains is good for the soul.
Depending on the trails you choose, you can catch wildlife as it comes and goes from its habitats, find hidden photo-worthy nature views tucked around every corner.
Moving about within these environments re-establishes your place among the natural world in a way that other hobbies or activities can.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And that wraps things up for today. These are 7 healthy benefits to hiking that I think everyone should know. Hiking offers outdoor enthusiasts from all over thew world to get outside and get connected with nature. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please share your favorite hiking experiences in the comment section below.
-CT