10 REASONS TO TAKE A HIKE

Before you take off on your hiking adventures I highly recommend these incredible hiking shoes!

1. GET FIT AS F

Hiking more difficult trails such as uphill trails can burn as many calories as if you were on a jog. Hiking reduces chances of heart disease, tones your muscles, and can lead to weight loss. Hiking also encourages healthy bone structure and reduces the chance of osteoporosis. You can even incorporate ankle weights or dumbbells for extra upper body strength training.

2. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Angels Landing at Zion National Park: near St. George, Utah

Hiking offers a sense of competition without competing with anyone else, only yourself. It’s not meant to be a race with the person hiking next to you, but rather an interpersonal challenge set to your own capabilities. It may not be a physical challenge for some, but also a mental, and spiritual challenge. Hiking allows you to learn more about yourself and grow into a better person because of it...give it a try and you will see.

3. IT'S FREE

Snow Canyon State Park Petroglyphs: St. George, Utah

I will say in California we are very lucky and have access to a multitude of hikes throughout the state and in surrounding states! The only hikes that I ever had to pay for were within a national park for a entrance fee, but were always worth the experience! Whether you are looking for a hike with a beach view or a hike with the view of the Hollywood sign, they are just a short drive away!

4. IMPROVE YOUR MOOD

Lake Jenny in Grand Teton National Park: Wyoming

Hiking is very beneficial to your mental health. Plenty of research has shown that spending time in nature can decrease anxiety, improve your memory, decrease stress, and may even put a stop to depression. Being one with nature can improve your daily emotions and bring more positive thoughts into your mind.

5. FEEL HIGH

Hiking offers a different kind of high. A high not associated with drugs or alcohol or going out to the clubs and staying up all night partying. Hiking offers a surreal sense of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush. It increases your dopamine and serotonin levels (happy hormones) in a healthy way. Not only that, but there is no better feeling that feeling like you are on top of the world, literally!

6. GET YOUR VITAMIN D FIX

Spending time outdoors allows us to receive Vitamin D, a vitamin crucial to maintaining a healthy and strong immune system. With a strong immune system our bodies will fight off illnesses and all those bugs going around the office and gym. Vitamin D will keep us healthy.

7. MEET NEW PEOPLE

Going for a hike is a great way to meet new people. Post to your social media and see who wants to join you on a hike and tell your friends to invite some of their friends. My gym Orangetheory Fitness holds a monthly hike one Sunday every month in the summer and it always gives me a chance to meet and connect with someone new.

8. ALLEVIATE STRESS

Being up close and personal with nature can cause relaxation for both the mind and body. Naturally as our bodies become relaxed we begin to relieve stress. Hiking also gives us the freedom to think deeply about thoughts on our minds without being distracted. This allows ours stress-management skills to improve as well.

9. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME

NEWS FLASH! Anyone can go for a hike! I even see little babies strapped on their mom's chest going for a hike. (Well make sure the hike is suitable for a child that young) But whether you are sitting for some kids or want to take your parents on a walk thru nature, people of all ages are encouraged to go hiking and spend time outdoors!

10. BREATHTAKING VIEWS

Snow Canyon State Park: St. George, Utah

Let's be real! I may or may not have said "I did it for the Insta" on some of my hikes. When my friend Danielle and I hiked Angels Landing at Zion National Park I will say we most definetly did that for the Instagram! The hike took us 4 hours roundtrip and we almost couldn't finish because of how high up it was and scary! But we did it and it was beyond worth the view!