Hiking offers all the cardiovascular benefits of walking, but the uneven terrain does more to strengthen the leg and core muscles, which in turn boosts balance and stability, it also generally burns more calories than walking.
These benefits multiply when trails increase in elevation. If you want to build upper-body strength, you can wear a weighted backpack and use trekking poles.Spending time in nature and having experiences that inspire awe can also lower stress and anxiety. One small 2015 study found that people who walked in nature for 90 minutes were less likely to negatively ruminate about themselves — a risk factor for depression — than those who walked in an urban environment.The conversational pace of hiking also makes it an ideal form of group fitness. If you’re exploring a new trail or region, consider meeting up with a local hiking club to learn the lay of the land. Several groups for specific communities have flourished over the past few years.