The list of reasons to get into hiking is infinite. Let’s start with the basics. Hiking, whether up tall peaks, down steep canyons, or forest bathing along a quiet, mossy path through the woods, is an inexpensive and widely accessible way to get into shape. You can choose the route, pace, and duration according to your fitness level and goals to gradually build a solid foundation of strength and endurance that will serve as a springboard for other sports.
What does hiking do for your body?
As if that weren’t enough, the benefits of hiking extend to both your physical and mental health.
1. Reduces stress & depression
Exercising outdoors reduces stress levels and depression. One study looked at the effects of urbanization on mental health. Results showed that those who went on a 90-min 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.(1)
Have you ever heard of forest bathing? Known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, forest bathing is practiced in Japan to reconnect with nature and reduce stress. The point is to slow down and take in your surroundings with all of your senses. It’s not the same as…
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