With all of the trendy workout classes and pricey boutique fitness studios out there, you might feel the need to get back to basics. But don’t worry, simple activities can still get you in awesome shape: A recent study in the American Heart Association’s journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology found that moderate exercise, such as walking, and vigorous exercise, such as running or spinning, produce similar health benefits. Have a sense of adventure? Kick it up a notch by taking your walks to parks and trails, and then, you can call it hiking.
Humans have been hiking since, well, forever, but the nature-lovers’ activity is about to get a buzz boost from Hollywood, thanks to the upcoming movie “Wild,” starring Reese Witherspoon, an adaptation of the bestselling memoir (and Oprah’s Book Club pick) of the same name. It follows the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who hiked a large chunk the Pacific Crest Trail with absolutely no experience — to inspirational results.
But there’s more to hiking than hippie-dippy moments: Science, experts and hikers agree that the activity provides tried-and-true health benefits, inside and out. Here are four research-backed reasons you should hit the trail:
Hiking benefit No. 1
It lets you take control of your workout.
Most trendy trainers tout high-intensity workouts, but few point out that the fast and furious approach doesn’t work for everyone. “Unfortunately, in today’s environment a lot of what we see in the media is about going as hard as you can, as quick as you can,” said Anthony Wall, director of professional development at the American Council on Exercise. All-in workouts surely have their place, but if they’re not your scene, that doesn’t mean you’re a fitness failure.