What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear about fitness?
If it includes grueling runs on a treadmill, endless cycling on a stationary bike or even the climbing on a Stairmaster machine, know that you are not alone.
It’s true, those activities are one way to improve your fitness, but you don’t have to limit yourself and do things you don’t fully enjoy just because you need to get time in in the gym. At the end of the day, enjoying your fitness journey is just as important as reaching your fitness goals.
Here is the deal you guys, if you are looking to get in some fitness time and you are also looking to clear your mind, enjoy fresh air, and melt the stress away, hiking is the best way foroute for you to go.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, hiking is for absolutely everyone. Whether you want to improve your endurance for a sport, get more fit, work on your cardio or just get out in nature and enjoy the scenery, you can’t go wrong with a hike.
Hiking and the outdoors is fun, it’s challenging, it’s motivating, and you get to meet like-minded individuals. And it doesn’t end there, there are many many benefits and different ways to be outside and be into fitness and mind clearing!
As humans we have always thrived in nature. Research shows that people who spend the majority of their time in the city, on too many electronics and away from nature, suffer from higher rates of depression. Researchers have also found a positive correlation between spending time in nature, moving, breathing fresh air and with having a lower incidence of depression, anxiety and stress.
It’s clear that spending more time in nature makes us happier, more enthusiastic, and more optimistic people. Just think about that!
Do you recall a weekend where you stayed in, away from people and nature, surrounded by social media and technology? How did you feel on Sunday evening? I would say probably not so good.
Now think back to another weekend where you immersed yourself in nature, surrounded by trees and dirt and other people… or even alone. Maybe you were on the beach, in the forest, or hiking in the mountains. How did you feel on Sunday evening? Pretty optimistic and energized would be my guess. DO NO FORGET the benefits are endless!
Here at Happy Hikers Fitness, we host 4-day hiking and fitness weekends twice per month. One weekend is in LA, and the other is in Oregon. Our goal is to help fitness enthusiasts of all levels improve themselves both physically and mentally, push themselves and learn that they are capable of far more than they previously imagined.
Remember being able to unplug from everyday life and enjoy the company of others working on being happier iand healthier s always an exhilarating experience that will help you on your journey.
