Benefits of Hiking

So we all know that activities such as walking, jogging and running are very good for our health. But what about Hiking? Is it simply for people bit by the adventure bug? Or does it have an extra edge over the other activities just mentioned?

What is Hiking?

To understand how hiking might have an extra edge over other physical and outdoor activities, we need to first know what exactly can be termed as hiking. Wikipedia describes hiking as “a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails, in the countryside, while the word walking is used for shorter, particularly urban walks.”

Hiking involves long, strenuous walking and climbing inclines in natural environments which have specific hiking trails, such as a mountain trail, or around a lake. It also refers to longer cross-country trekking. A day hike is the one that begins in the morning and is completed within the same day.

Hiking can also involve overnight camping, which is popularly known as backpacking. Bushwhacking is another version of hiking, involving walking through thick undergrowth, dense forests, or bushes.

Each form of hiking thus involves rigorous physical and mental involvement amidst Raw Nature.

Mental Health and Brain

Hiking on the Mountains

Because hiking takes place amidst Nature, it rejuvenates our urban, stressed out senses. Be it a countryside, or a valley, or a mountain trail, it thoroughly soothes our senses, clears our head, and our lungs too. Hiking through Nature is way healthier than walking or jogging around the city.

Hiking in long winding, scenic natural trails is proven to release more Oxytocin, the happy hormone. It thus also helps in combating some of the most common mental health issues such as depression.

Dr. Gregory A. Miller, the president of American Hiking Society says, “Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety” .

According to innumerable studies, being in Nature grounds us, boosts our brain activity, and enhances our creativity and problem solving ability by up to 50%.

Research shows that regular hikers, who spend more time in Nature have better memory than those who are mostly away from Nature. It can even enhance several other cognitive abilities, such as attention and focus.

Cardiovascular Health

Trail Run

Hiking involves high impact walking and hence is a very powerful form of cardio workout which helps reduce the risk of cardiac ailments.

Hiking is also highly effective in curbing blood pressure issues and blood sugar imbalance.

Bone and Stamina

Backpack Travelling

Hiking strengthens our bones and builds up muscle stamina. It helps in developing stronger, denser, and more well structured bones.

It has been proven to increase bone density, by burning away extra calories and working on our weight-bearing ability.

Hiking is very beneficial in building our muscles, such as quadriceps and the hamstrings. It also works on our hip muscles and lower legs, toning and strengthening them.

Overall benefit

It improves balance. It is beneficial for people having issues with balance or mild vertigo.

Hiking strengthens our core by building overall stamina.

Hiking is akin to travelling amidst Nature. Just as travel expands our horizons, de-stresses our mind and body, and boosts our physical health, hiking too facilitates all of these, in fact, to a much greater degree.