The Health Benefits of Hiking

The Health Benefits of Hiking

While some look to gym memberships or personal trainers to achieve personal physical fitness, others see hiking as a more pleasant option. Hiking not only develops optimum physical health but promotes social, psychological and spiritual well-being as well. Hiking is also hugely enjoyable.

Hiking as an Aerobic Activity

The Mayo Clinic reports that, depending upon one’s size and weight, one hour of hiking burns about 400 to 600 calories. As an aerobic activity, the health benefits of hiking are substantial. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, the pump that keeps us all going. A strong heart simply functions better, improving circulation throughout the body. Exercise increases the production of the “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while it reduces damaging low-density lipoprotein (LDL), helping to keep plaque from clogging up the works.

Hiking as an aerobic exercise boosts the immune system, too, lessening susceptibility to the cold and flu. Exercise improves muscular strength and increases bone density, two aspects of physical health that not only enhance longevity, but improve the quality of a longer life. Regular aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of developing a host of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancer.

The aerobic aspect of hiking doesn’t just improve physical well-being, but promotes mental health as well. Studies show that regular, aerobic exercise slows cognitive decline as we get older. Aerobic exercise produces endorphins, brain chemicals that react with opiate receptors, giving us a sense of well-being, a “natural high.”

Psychological Benefits to Hiking

Stress, that “fight or flight” physical response that is hardwired into us to help us cope with perceived threats to our survival, is damaging to health when it becomes chronic. While stress enhances some body systems, it suppresses others, such as the immune system. Our bodies are not intended to thrive in a chronic state of imbalance. Hiking reduces stress. Hiking in natural surroundings removes you from the pressures of daily life, offering new perspectives, both visually and mentally.

Taking a hike “clears the head.” Research shows that short-term memory works better when you are walking than when you are standing still, enhancing cognitive abilities like learning and reasoning. Simply being outside has been shown to improve emotional moods.

Hiking increases stamina and energy, and as stamina and energy improves, hikers are able to undertake longer and/or more difficult treks. Activities such as hiking that include completing short-term and long-term goals build character. Reaching goals helps us to feel more confidant, to quell anxieties and to take the risks that may enhance personal development.

Refreshing the Spirit

While hiking can occur anywhere, hiking in nature provides benefits beyond improvements to physical and mental health. Being in a natural environment reminds us of the innate beauty of our planet and gives us a new appreciation of our place in the order things. Nature revives, renews and reinvigorates the soul.

The Versatility of Hiking

Essentially, all you need to hike is a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes. There is no expensive equipment to buy, dues to pay or extensive training to undertake. However, many hikers enjoy exploring various areas in which to hike, as well as planning for special hiking excursions. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects about hiking is that one can hike either alone or with others. Hiking with friends and family provides opportunities to share quality time together. Memories of these shared experiences can last a lifetime.