But like with any lifestyle choice (if you can call it that) it does require some commitment, and some sacrifice. For example, do you think all Pacific Northwest surfers love getting up for what is known as “dawn patrol”, that 6 AM rude awakening that has them pulling on a wetsuit to paddle out through marine layer and brave the cold water for a few brief moments of bliss? But it’s what outdoor adventurers do, because for all of the handwork, there are oh-so many benefits. When it comes to hiking, that statement couldn’t be more true.
Today at the onset of “the season” here in BC, we thought we’d take a look at some of the big benefits of hiking, just in case you ever begin to question why you’re braving the elements week in and out.
5 Reasons Why You Should Start or Continue Hiking at Least Once a Week
1. Better Physical Fitness
The most obvious benefit is a direct one – hiking makes you more physically fit, and this is not speculative. For one, hiking regularly will help you build a stronger core. In addition, hiking will help you burn calories (the Grouse Grind eats up about 1000 of them!), boost bone density, build lean muscle mass, improve cardio-respiratory fitness, and even minimize the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, various cancers, and other ailments often connected to a lack of physical activity. View more on how hiking often will improve your overall level of fitness.
2. It Makes You Better at Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking once a week will invariably spill over (in a good way) into the other outdoor activities you partake in. For example, it goes hand in hand with mountain activities such as rock climbing, given the crossover elements found with hikes like the Grouse Grind or especially the Stawamus Chief. But it also complements activities such as snowboarding, helping you acclimatize to the temperatures and air density at higher elevations. Hiking also makes sense for avid mountain bikers, in that it helps the body and mind better make sense of uneven terrain. Then there is the fact that being a hiker will also prepare you for treks to other activities, such as surfing, which can require some backcountry traversing to get to prime (aka secret) spots along the Pacific Northwest coast. View more on how hiking is a perfect pairing for other outdoor adventures.
3. It Gives You a New Reason to Travel
There are some incredible hiking destinations all over country, continent, and world. They allow you to view a locale in a whole different way, providing an escape from the more traditional tourist trappings of each. For example, when most people go to Vegas, they return to tell their friends and family about all they saw on The Strip, but when you’re a core hiker, your tales will speak of Red Rock Canyon, Gold Strike Hot Spring, Frenchman Mountain, Lone Mountain, and more. Doesn’t that sound a lot more appealing than tallying up how much you lost at the craps table? Hiking will not only make your travels better, it can actually become your inspiration to visit new places around the world.
4. A Better Form of Social Networking
Are you looking to make personal connections that don’t involve opening up a smartphone app? Then weekly hiking is for you. It’s pretty much impossible not to meet people out on the trail and the scenarios are primed for interaction. Someone is always in need of advice (directions, etc.) or you may be simply sharing the same resting spot, looking to spark up a conversation. Even better, is that the hiking community is a friendly and welcoming one. Hiking groups exist all around your locale, inviting others into their fold. For example, Grindaholic holds weekly group hikes up the Grouse Grind, Stawamus Chief, BCMC, and other spots that come up at random thanks to suggestions from new and longstanding friends of the gang. Wherever you may be, an online search will uncover a hiking group for you to join, and if there isn’t one, you can start one of your own!
5. You Can Do it All Year
In the Pacific Northwest (and in similar climates) there are some outdoor activities that are either not possible in the dead of winter, or are simply miserable to do. You don’t see a lot of people open-ocean or lake swimming out here from October to March. But when it comes to hiking, you can maintain your weekly regime without issue. Sure, the weather conditions can create an entirely new set of challenges, but that’s a big part of what makes it so fun. All that is required, are a few extra layers of clothes, some additional gear, and some advice from local experts. For example, do you want to keeping hiking around Greater Vancouver in December? Just follow this guide. What about hiking during rainy season? Here’s everything you need to know.
Hiking is an all year outdoor activity that keeps things interesting, not just because of the new set of challenges, but via ever-changing natural scenery that will make an old hiking spot feel brand new again with each passing season.
Now that you’re convinced (right?) that making hiking a part of your weekly regime is not just fun, but makes practical sense, you may as well wear your lifestyle choice on your sleeve. Grindaholic gear is not just for fans of the world famous Grouse Grind, but for any one of you who embraces the great outdoors through exploration. When you put on a Grindaholic t-shirt, hat, or tank top, you let the world know who you are. View our current line of Grindaholic apparel.
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