Written by: Maia Seals, 2017 Communications & Marketing Intern

1. Improves cardio-respiratory and decreases blood pressure.

Hiking promotes blood flow and circulation to improve your cardiovascular system—allowing you to breathe deeply and feel alive!

2. It’s sociable.

Hikers always recommend using a buddy system. A regular weekend meet-up or a planned long-distance trek can help you forge bonds while you shape up.

3. Improves muscular fitness and a healthy bone structure.

Hiking is a full body workout! Want to tone your legs and core? Hiking is the perfect workout for you. Hiking uphill (especially carry weight, such as a backpack) can be an awesome leg strengthener. Your core is also doing a lot of the hard work to keep your body balanced. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you combine a healthy and heart diet along with a consistent hiking schedule you can gain bone strength.

4. Reduces depression and get better quality sleep.

Missing your daily dose of sun? Hiking can help improve mood and sleep all in one. If you are having trouble sleeping, getting up and going outside can help restore your internal clock that helps you go to bed at a decent hour.

5. Increases your creativity.

Research shows that spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem solving skills by as much as 50%! Researchers from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education also found that walking gets the creative juices flowing far more than sitting.

6. Maintains your motivation. 

Unlike going to the same gym 2-5 days a week with the same view, hiking offers new scenery on every route. Help maintain your motivation to get out and exercise by switching up your path from time to time, benefiting your body and your active mind!

7. Disconnects your kids from technology.

Hiking is great for kids! Tired of having to constantly finding a new device or activity to keep your children engaged? Have them interact with nature and disconnect from technology; improving their ability to focus and appreciate the world around them.

8. Reduces stress. 

Hiking provides a time for you to get away and not have to worry about work, school, or bills. Allow yourself to relax and exercise at the same time.

9. Meet like-minded people.

Having trouble finding new gym & workout partners? Head out to your favorite trail or campsite and end up meeting new friends and families that also like to get outdoors.

10. Helps you be in touch with nature.

Nature is the best medicine. Being out in nature, away from the chaos of our daily lives and technology, can bring about greater peace and a sense of well-being.

Now that you know 10 benefits of hiking, we hope that you get out and challenge yourself to go on a hike of your own.

Interested in Hiking With Us?

Join us on a semester abroad excursion, a week-long expedition, or a custom group course to create your own experience.