If you’re looking for answers about how to prepare your body for the Grouse Grind, we’ve detailed those fitness tips in a previous post (click here). This article however, is about how the Grouse Grind will make you more fit.

We suppose it’s a bit of a “chicken or egg” scenario. Yes, it’s true that you should achieve a certain level of health and wellness before attempting the Grind, but once you’re at that level, making the hike a part of your normal fitness routine will make you exponentially stronger and more capable of tackling all of the other outdoor adventures that the world affords.

Today, we have provided a list of physical fitness rewards found from becoming a Grindaholic, just in case you needed a little extra push up the mountain.

Note: the following is contingent upon proper hiking form, and a physician approved level of health, wellness, and fitness. If you’re concerned about your ability to make the Grouse Grind a part of your normal routine, consult with your doctor first. 

5 FITNESS BENEFITS OF BECOMING A REGULAR GRINDAHOLIC

1. BUILDS YOUR CORE

Hiking works the core (and balance) and the more vertical it is, the more this is true. The 2.9-km trail with approximately 2,830 steps that lead to the peak of Grouse Mountain can most certainly be categorized as vertical, and so your core will get stronger with each and every ascent.

2. BURNS THOSE CALORIES

The average hike for the average person (154 lbs) burns an estimated 370 calories per hour. However, the Grouse Grind (aka Mother Nature’s Stairmaster), given the aforementioned elevation, has been approximated to burn an average of 1000 calories from start to finish. Wow!

3. BOOSTS BONE DENSITY

Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that assists in the strengthening of bones. When hiking the Grouse Grind, that form of weight-bearing exercise is exponentially greater, boosting your bone density to previously untapped levels. Looking to stave-off osteoporosis and the like in the future? Combine your nutrient rich diet and exercise program with regular Grinds and your bones will respond in kind.

4. BUILDS MUSCULAR FITNESS

Again, the weight bearing nature of Grouse Grind hiking is a big fitness benefit. You will build muscle (and therefore strength) in your quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, lower legs, and glorious glutes! Secondary muscles also come into play, and overall lean muscle mass will begin to take over all over your body. The only negative effect? You may be spending more time admiring yourself in the mirror after your showers. Adjust schedules accordingly.

5. LOWERS RISK OF AILMENTS

Hikes such as the Grouse Grind improve cardio-respiratory fitness. This can effectively reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, and other ailments often correlated to a lack of physical activity. Again, if you currently have concerns regarding any of the above, consult with a physician before doing the Grouse Grind. Otherwise, anyone looking for a proactive way to keep these ailments at bay, should consider joining us on our weekly hikes (click here) up the Grind.

There’s only one other concern about becoming a regular on the Grouse Grind. With your body changing for the better, you may not fit into your normal fitness gear for much longer. You had better prepare by picking up a “future you” appropriate sized Grindaholic t-shirt or tank-top today (right here)!