Lykkers, have you ever wondered why we feel so refreshed after a walk in nature? There are many reasons why we choose to hike, trek, or climb — beyond just the stunning views and quiet trails.

These activities help us escape from noisy city life and connect with nature’s peaceful sights, sounds, and smells. But even more importantly, hiking and climbing offer incredible physical and mental health benefits that can change our lives for the better.

Relieve Stress and Boost Mental Health

Stepping into nature is like giving our mind a breath of fresh air. According to the American Heart Association, being outdoors not only helps our heart but also significantly improves mental health. Hiking can reduce stress, fight depression, and calm anxious thoughts. A 2015 study from Stanford University showed that walking in nature for just 90 minutes lowered activity in the part of the brain linked to depression.

Spending time in nature lowers stress levels, which has a ripple effect on our body. It can reduce the risk of heart problems, lower blood pressure, help us sleep better, and even support healthy weight loss. Hiking with a group can also reduce negative thoughts and boost our self-esteem.

Plus, hiking increases the release of endorphins — our body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals. When we climb or camp as part of a team, focusing on shared goals or creative tasks, we feel more valued and connected. These activities also keep our minds sharp by improving problem-solving skills and mental agility.

Strengthen the Heart and Boost Circulation

One of the biggest physical wins from hiking and climbing is a stronger heart. The American Heart Association notes that just one hour of brisk walking can extend our lifespan by two hours. Even an easy-paced hike helps improve heart health.

When we hike, our heart works harder, which increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the bad kind (LDL). This helps keep our arteries clean and reduces the risk of heart disease — one of the top causes of death worldwide. These movements also help lower triglyceride levels, a type of substance in the blood that can lead to dangerous artery buildup if left unchecked.

Build Muscle and Support Joint Strength

Hiking and climbing are both weight-bearing exercises — which means they’re fantastic for building strength. We use our hips, thighs, calves, and core every time we step up a trail. These motions improve body density and help retain calcium, lowering the chance of age-related physical decline.

Doctors suggest that 150 minutes of hiking per week can help us keep our joints flexible and even prevent or delay arthritis. It's not just about staying fit — it's about staying mobile and strong for life.

Improve Balance and Coordination

One unexpected benefit of hiking and climbing is better balance. As we age, maintaining good balance becomes more important. Harvard Medical School says walking boosts lower body strength, which is key for staying steady.

Hiking across uneven terrain — whether rocky, muddy, or steep — forces our body to adapt. This improves not only our muscle coordination but also our awareness of movement and surroundings. These benefits are hard to get from treadmill workouts or flat roads. Plus, we train muscles that are often ignored in everyday life, such as those in the abdomen, back, and legs.

Burn Calories and Lose Weight Naturally

Hiking and climbing are also highly effective for weight loss — especially at higher altitudes. Research shows that spending even one week at high elevations can help reduce body weight noticeably. That’s because higher altitudes speed up metabolism and lower our appetite.

Just remember: if we plan to hike above 3,000 meters, we need to give our bodies time to adjust. Once we’re ready, the results are amazing. Hikers can burn between 60 to 300 calories per kilometer, depending on the trail. With regular weekly hikes, we can drop excess weight and stay fit far more sustainably than with dieting alone.

A Powerful, Affordable Way to Stay Fit

Hiking and climbing may just be the simplest, most affordable full-body workouts. They strengthen nearly every muscle group — from our legs and core to our shoulders and back. More importantly, they clear our minds and lift our moods, offering a natural way to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced.

Studies show that these outdoor activities even help spark creativity and improve focus. Nature doesn’t just heal our bodies — it nurtures our imagination, too. By releasing pressure and lifting our spirits, hiking becomes a powerful way to "reset" our minds.

Get Ready Before You Hit the Trail

Before starting a hiking or climbing adventure, it’s smart to train ahead of time. Most hikers and climbers need about three months to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. A good prep plan could include jogging twicea month, hitting the gym three to four times weekly, and adding morning or evening stretching sessions.

These steps not only keep us physically ready but also ensure we can enjoy our trips without injury or exhaustion. Regular training makes a big difference in how we feel — and how far we can go.

Let’s Take the First Step Together!

So, Lykkers, what’s holding us back? A short nature trail can refresh the mind, and a mountain peak can inspire the soul. Every step we take brings new energy, clearer thoughts, and a stronger body. Hiking and climbing aren’t just about fitness—they're about joy, discovery, and reconnecting with what truly matters.

We’d love to hear from you—do you have a favorite trail or a mountain on your bucket list? Share it with us, and who knows? One day we might be walking that path side by side, feeling the breeze, and smiling at the journey ahead.