The most underrated endurance workout; hiking

whmscll
whmscll Posts: 2,255 Member
edited December 21 in Fitness and Exercise
According to Outside Magazine. I can attest to the reduction in anxiety and depression first-hand.

https://www.outsideonline.com/2238741/most-underrated-endurance-workout-hiking

Replies

  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    edited June 2019
    I love the opening paragraph:


    Have you ever met anyone who regretted taking a good, hard day hike? Me neither.
  • MikePTY
    MikePTY Posts: 3,814 Member
    I love a good day hike. Now that I have medicine that cna keep my IBS under short term control, I can actually go out and enjoy them.

    I agree with all of the points in the article that seem largely to be common sense (hiking outside socially in nature is a lot more enjoyable than walking for hours on the treadmill singing 99 bottles of beer to yourself to pass the time), but it's still nice to see the data behind it and it be written out.

    As a martial artist, hiking helps improve my overall fitness, my endurance, and leg strength. It's something I wish I did more but is great cross training when I do.

    I'm hoping to hike Patagonia in 2021.
  • pjwrt
    pjwrt Posts: 166 Member
    edited June 2019
    Running and biking never thrilled me. If I did either of those, I'd just ride my motorcycle..:) Give me 10 miles of hiking trails 4 times a week and I'll burn off calories fast and enjoy my Mother Earth.

    (and yes, this old man is well protected on those lonesome hills)
  • klove808
    klove808 Posts: 346 Member
    Hiking is the best! My fave.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    edited June 2019
    YES! I love this.

    I seriously love the emphasis on day hikes, too. I meet a lot of people who seem to think it's only "real" hiking if you grab a heavy pack and spend 4+ days on a grueling trail. Not everyone has to be Cheryl Strayed in "Wild".

    I hike locally in the Ozarks most weekends and take trips to hike all over the U.S. but never overnight. Still, I'm a hiker by my definition - and it's hugely beneficial to me physically and psychologically!
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    It's a day trip for the wife and I to even get to what we call decent hiking, but we love it when we do. Even better if we can find a trail will only a few people on it. We've never (as stated earlier) never ever regretted a good hike.
  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    I get this so much. I could have written this article myself but with one caveat, no forests but sagebrush, cactus and boulders. Deserts and boulders are beautiful too. I saw chuckwalla on my hike last weekend. I love lizards.
  • vanityy99
    vanityy99 Posts: 2,583 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    I love the opening paragraph:


    Have you ever met anyone who regretted taking a good, hard day hike? Me neither.

    I never heard of anyone regretting a good hard day at the gym either. I know I always feel good and accomplished after the gym.


  • vanityy99
    vanityy99 Posts: 2,583 Member
    pjwrt wrote: »
    Running and biking never thrilled me. If I did either of those, I'd just ride my motorcycle..:) Give me 10 miles of hiking trails 4 times a week and I'll burn off calories fast and enjoy my Mother Earth.

    (and yes, this old man is well protected on those lonesome hills)

    You ever had a bug fly into your eye while biking ? That *kitten* traumatized me.
  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    You have encountered bears or, and mountain lion?
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    L1zardQueen wrote: »
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    You have encountered bears or, and mountain lion?

    I mean there are coyotes that occasionally frequent my neighborhood (and I don't live in a rural area) and yes you can run into cougars in the multiple urban forests in the Portland metro area. Probably more likely than a spent cartridge casing. I personally haven't run into any cougars, but I wouldn't be shocked if I did.
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.
    I agree 100%, though I wish I didn't have to. That doesn't mean that hiking, or any other physical activity, is bad of course. It also really doesn't mean that those of us for whom it does jack to help with various mental health issues are somehow less than or shouldn't be doing various forms of physical activity. I would like to go on more hikes, but not because it'll help with my depression. Rather because I like being outside, I should take advantage of the fact that there's amazing hiking less than half an hour from my house, and it's really beautiful and I appreciate beautiful things.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    Several black bears, never a grizz. Majestic creatures. Always a treat to see one. Cascade black bears are shy and timid, terrified of humans.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    L1zardQueen wrote: »
    I get this so much. I could have written this article myself but with one caveat, no forests but sagebrush, cactus and boulders. Deserts and boulders are beautiful too. I saw chuckwalla on my hike last weekend. I love lizards.

    I don't prefer hiking in the woods. Give me a meadow, get me above tree line. I love ridge walks, I love the open country and big sky in the rolling Paysaytens. Trees block the view and the sun, and a mature forest is less diverse than a lot of other ecosystems. Go through a burn scar and it's full of wildflowers that get shaded out in the forest, and more wildlife.

    Rock gardens are beautiful.

    Trees are wonderful, of course, but you don't need the woods for a great hike.
  • lalalacroix
    lalalacroix Posts: 834 Member
    Hiking is my favorite thing to do. Ever.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,692 Member
    edited June 2019
    vanityy99 wrote: »
    pjwrt wrote: »
    Running and biking never thrilled me. If I did either of those, I'd just ride my motorcycle..:) Give me 10 miles of hiking trails 4 times a week and I'll burn off calories fast and enjoy my Mother Earth.

    (and yes, this old man is well protected on those lonesome hills)

    You ever had a bug fly into your eye while biking ? That *kitten* traumatized me.

    Frequently ... and my mouth. It happens when you cycle 168,436.23 km over the past 29 years. :)


    I love cycling ... but also enjoy hiking.

    Great stress relief.

  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    Several black bears, never a grizz. Majestic creatures. Always a treat to see one. Cascade black bears are shy and timid, terrified of humans.
    Multiple black bears in Michigan's upper peninsula and they just wanted to be where ever people weren't. I have no doubt major problems would arise if a person got too close, cornered a bear or heaven forbid a bear with cubs, but we never had an issue with them.
  • puffbrat
    puffbrat Posts: 2,806 Member
    vanityy99 wrote: »
    pjwrt wrote: »
    Running and biking never thrilled me. If I did either of those, I'd just ride my motorcycle..:) Give me 10 miles of hiking trails 4 times a week and I'll burn off calories fast and enjoy my Mother Earth.

    (and yes, this old man is well protected on those lonesome hills)

    You ever had a bug fly into your eye while biking ? That *kitten* traumatized me.

    Yes and I still love biking.
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    My two bear encounters excited me and helped me remember why I love hiking and being outdoors. No moutain lion encounters, but more coyotes than I could count, a few bobcats, porcupines, skunks, snakes, scorpions, huge spiders, hawks, eagles, owls, lots of cows and wild horses, and so many more.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    edited June 2019
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    Several black bears, never a grizz. Majestic creatures. Always a treat to see one. Cascade black bears are shy and timid, terrified of humans.
    Multiple black bears in Michigan's upper peninsula and they just wanted to be where ever people weren't. I have no doubt major problems would arise if a person got too close, cornered a bear or heaven forbid a bear with cubs, but we never had an issue with them.

    When I hiked from Easy Pass to Colonial Creek, I said "hey bear" for four days every time the trail went around a corner or through any brush. Never saw one on that trip, but I didn't see another human until the end of the last day either.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    edited June 2019
    I love hiking but I've never done a long multiple day, or even a full day hike. It gets hard to do with kids who don't like to hike lol. My husband likes to stop and look at everything and go off trail a lot so it's not as much of a workout probably as what is depicted in the article. He gets mat at me because I go too fast. I get slightly depressed living where I do because there's not much hiking opportunity here. The landscape isn't that great. I love travelling to places with cool places to hike, like when we go down to the ozarks, or to Colorado, etc. We were just in FL a couple weeks ago and I'm disappointed we didn't go find somewhere to hike, but I'm 8 months pregnant and neither of my kids are into that so.
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    grinning_chick wrote: »
    Sounds like none of the participants encountered a black bear or a mountain lion during their hikes. Or human created spent cartridge littered shooting ranges/trash dump sites/open latrine pits left by piggies out in out national forests/wildernesses. Encountering any one of those will indeed increase ones stress, right along with blood pressure due to disgust/outrage/etc./etc. :)

    PS - While exercise in general and hiking in particular can indeed help some people with their anxiety and/or depression, it will not help all. There is a very real population of people for whom it, or any physical activity for that matter, does not improve these psychological parameters as stated in the linked article. And that's okay; there's nothing wrong with you if you fall into this group.

    Several black bears, never a grizz. Majestic creatures. Always a treat to see one. Cascade black bears are shy and timid, terrified of humans.
    Multiple black bears in Michigan's upper peninsula and they just wanted to be where ever people weren't. I have no doubt major problems would arise if a person got too close, cornered a bear or heaven forbid a bear with cubs, but we never had an issue with them.

    When I hiked from Easy Pass to Colonial Creek, I said "hey bear" for four days every time the trail went around a corner or through any brush. Never saw one on that trip, but I didn't see another human until the end of the last day either.

    I can't even...in New England there's a person every 4 feet. I can't source that of course lol, it just seems that way.
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,401 Member
    puffbrat wrote: »

    My two bear encounters excited me and helped me remember why I love hiking and being outdoors. No moutain lion encounters, but more coyotes than I could count, a few bobcats, porcupines, skunks, snakes, scorpions, huge spiders, hawks, eagles, owls, lots of cows and wild horses, and so many more.

    I was going to say the same. Those close encounters can turn from scary to exciting, or the other direction, very quickly. But they are one of the reasons to be in the outdoors IMO.

    I've seen a few bears, had a couple way too close rattelesnake encounters, and been in the water with schooling Hammerhead sharks. But by far the scariest "in the moment" encounter was a Bighorn sheep. It came up behind me on top of a ridgeline maybe 12-15 feet away, looked down at me, and snorted as if to assert that it was dominant. And then moved off.

    It took me a minute to settle my heart rate. It was freaking awesome.
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