7 Reasons Hiking Should Be Your Workout

Posted by: Matthew Inouye
Posted on: August 4th, 2017

Exhibit A: You are working a double, take the bus, and have a class in the evening.

Exhibit B: It's your birthday, you've been kidnapped by your best friend and have no idea how the rest of the day is going to turn out.

Exhibit C: You drop your kids off at school, go to work, pick the kids back up after, take them to practice and make everyone dinner.

So granted, exercise just doesn't always fit into your plan. That's a given. And it doesn't ALWAYS have to fit in your plan. The idea here is that if you can try to fit it in once in a while then at the very least, you have done something.

A lot of exercise plans out there are road blocks in themselves and that's typically the problem.

For example, The Gym:

If you're not already an active gym member, it's always intimidating getting into the flow of things. You're ill prepared and unfamiliar with the environment, the people and the machines. There are usually membership fee's and hardcore gym people to deal with. If you can't even fit an exercise routine in now, how could you ever wrap your head around the whole gym thing.

Or.. Organized Sports:

Can you commit to a regular weekly event? What if something comes up and you can't attend? Do you really want to buy all the gear required?

Or.. Fitness Buddies:

All your friends are track-running guru's. They have the headbands and short shorts to match. No thanks.

So What are the 7 Ways Hiking is a Great Entry Level Exercise?

1. Free

Hiking does not require a membership fee, parking fee or any direct fee for that matter. You don't need to meet any qualifications or pass any tests. You just find a trail and you hike it. 

2. Accessibility

You live in the greatest place on earth! The Metro Vancouver area has over 100 trails all within a 30 minute drive. At this very given moment, there is probably a hiking trail within 10 minutes of you. It might be in an urban park or off in the wilderness but it is there. You just have to look for it. No car? Most trails can be had by transit or by walking.

3. Easy

You don't need to climb Mount Everest on your first attempt. A casual hike with little to no incline is always an option. Start with something flat and short like the Sasamat Lake Loop. You can gradually work your way up to the Grouse Grind or Baden Powell Trail.

4. Flexible Hours

Hiking does not have specific hours of operation -- with the exception of dawn until dawn. If you start work later, go for a hike earlier (or on the weekend). You can go for a half an hour hike that loops around or choose an all day excursion through the backcountry. It's your call.

5. Bring a Friend

Hiking does not have a minimum or maximum attendance. I've seen groups of 30 (believe it) before. If you're only inclined to go and do some exercise when all your friends and their Mom's are there -- then bring 'em all!

6. No Gear

Sure you might be inclined to buy super tread hiking boots and light weight breathable clothes -- but you don't have to. You can probably get away with the same old shoes you wear every day and that grungy old shirt.

7. Rewarding

Hiking trails often end at a viewpoint or "finish point". Feel good about the work you did and pat yourself on the back. Nothing is more satisfying then putting in the time and pushing yourself to be able to relax with a granola bar and take a picture.

There you have it. If you can think of some other ways that hiking is a great entry level exercise, mention it on Twitter (@goMountainGuru) on Facebook (Mountain Guru), or post it in the comments below.

Happy Hiking!