Hiking for health

Hiking is one of the best ways to move toward health. Here’s why:
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1️⃣ It’s accessible ⛰ In most cases, you can find a free trailhead or one with a nominal parking fee. Short on 💰? Hiking leaves no excuse for missing an opportunity to get fit.
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2️⃣ Most trails exist on a continuum of difficulty - ranging from an easy walk all the way to mountain climbing 🧗🏽‍♀️ Regardless of your age or athletic ability, there’s a trail for you with a cardiovascular challenge!
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3️⃣ Improves balance 🤸🏽‍♀️ Most of the walking we do is on manufactured, flat surfaces. It’s rare to experience balance and stability challenges during our normal life. Don’t think balance matters? Think about the last time you took a misstep and had to catch yourself, slipped on a stair, got bumped into in a crowded place. Having a developed sense of balance might save you from an undesirable, random injury.
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4️⃣ Key ingredient for mental health 🧠 Spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress, calm anxiety, and can lower your risk for depression (or even help elevate you out of depression).
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5️⃣ Fosters relational health 👯‍♀️ it’s rare these days to spend uninterrupted time with people, especially in a place with zero distractions (thanks to low cell service in these areas). Hiking with a family member, friend or loved one is the perfect opportunity to ‘connect’ without the help of cell phone towers 📡
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6️⃣ Biophilia 🌲 We are biologically evolved to connect with nature and innately know that nature helps sustain life. Long-term disconnection from nature plays a role in the development of disease. Get outside!

Not sure how to find a trail? Check out alltrails.com and HIKE YOUR WAY TO HEALTH!