The benefits of hiking

The benefits of hiking are numerous. A great form of exercise, it also brings with it an array of mental health benefits and other general perks. Whether you’ve already caught the trail bug and are interested in finding out what you’re gaining from your favourite activity, or if you’re yet to take it up and are intrigued by what it has to offer, we’ve pulled together some of the main benefits of hiking.

What Can Hiking Offer You?

Hiking outdoors has a lot to offer. The reasons people love hiking outdoors so much go beyond the physical benefits. Hiking is good for the heart, mind and body and can improve your overall health and wellbeing. Interested in finding out how? The team at Grisport have pulled together a couple of the main benefits of hiking has to offer: 

Fantastic Exercise And Fitness Targets

One of the most obvious benefits of hiking outdoors is the physical benefits. Hiking is a powerful cardio workout, and even light hiking can raise the heart rate to a moderate level which helps improve aerobic fitness and endurance. It can also help to lower blood pressure and increase the efficiency of the lungs, these are just some of the health benefits of hiking. Unlike when using exercise bikes or treadmills hiking has you facing various challenging terrain which means you are engaging all the muscle groups. Walking uphill engages the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves while hiking downhill engages the ankles, hips, and core. The hillier the trail is, the harder your heart will have to work, which increases the potential cardiovascular benefit. Even a short hike is a great workout and can help boost your mood. 

Muscles in the legs and hips get a solid workout, as well as the glutes. Smaller muscles, like the ones near the knees and ankles, are also exercised. As well as exercising your body, hiking also exercises your brain! Hiking outdoors offers an opportunity to learn new skills, and the trickier the terrain and trail the harder your brain has to work. Hiking outdoors keeps your brain constantly engaged, as you need to be alert in order to avoid any obstacles and ensure that you’re heading in the right direction.

Mental Health And Mood Lift

Being out in nature provides a number of psychological perks. Being out in nature can greatly improve mental-wellbeing, with research showing that hiking can have a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety. As with other physical exercise, hiking increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin in our body, causing the well-known “runners’ high” as they boost your mood and sense of well-being.

Being outdoors with nature can really help to clear your head and help you to focus on what really matters. Sometimes you just need to step away from the stresses of your everyday life, relax your mind and indulge in the beauty of nature! 

Opportunity To Explore Amazing Scenery

It’s hard to deny that the views you see when hiking are second to none. The impressive heights you can reach when hiking are something you don’t get on your regular daily stroll, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of reaching the summit after a long strenuous hike and looking down on the stunning abundance of nature beneath you. Stunning mountains, glistening lakes, copious amounts of fresh air, it’s this kind of stuff that’s good for the heart and soul. 

Social Activity Where You Can Meet New People

Some may prefer the solitude of hiking, whereas for those who enjoy hiking with others. 

Hiking offers a great way to meet new people and spend quality time together away from the distractions of modern everyday life. Providing a great chance to put your phone and laptop away and properly engage with the people around you. There are a range of hiking clubs that are dedicated to hiking exhibitions both near and far, where you can meet other hiking enthusiasts. It’s also a great activity to do with family, friends and partners. Hiking can help create feelings of closeness and a sense of safety. 

The Chance To See New Places

Hiking also provides the opportunity to explore new places that you’d otherwise never come across. It can be easy to get in a rut of doing the same walks and not push yourself to venture out further but with the abundance of stunning hiking trails you won’t be able to say no. A weekend away hiking can be a great way to get your family or friends together and escape your usual surroundings. 

Check Out Our Hiking Boots

Before you set out on your hiking adventure, you need to make sure you’ve got the right footwear for the task! Grisport offer a range of hiking shoes and hiking boots for men, women and children. So whether you’re opting for a short walk on a local trail or an adventurous hike in the highlands, you’ll discover a range of walking boots that can tackle any adventure. All of our walking boots will help to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable for the duration of your walk.