Leaving a warm cosy house and heading out to the top of a nearby peak or trail, out of your comfort zone, takes motivation, but every challenging step brings great benefit.
The health benefits are enormous. The sunlight boosts vitamin D. The exertion builds strong muscles and bones while improving balance and heart health. Raising your heart rate to a moderate level improves fitness and endurance. Hiking is great for your balance. Navigating through precarious rocky terrain forces your brain to be more adept at judging obstacles and keeps you focused and agile. As you age, balance becomes very important in avoiding falls. Hiking boosts your immune system, bolstering your body's natural ability to fight off disease. Beyond these physical benefits, being amongst nature in the great outdoors contributes to better mental health than sitting in front of your screen at home.
During Covid times in Hong Kong between 2020 and 2021, hiking was essential to the well-being of my friends and I.
We revisited the Maclehose and Wilson trail routes and enjoyed the spectacular views of Hong Kong, like beaches and the dramatic night skyline. This physical and mental escape was essential to coping with restrictions and family separations. Hiking is a global activity, even without Hong Kong and Aspen's stunning landscapes. It's a great way to stay healthy and in shape whilst seeing different aspects of a country.
Hiking around the world has been a big part of my life. When I was a kid, my dad took me up dormant volcanoes in Indonesia and over the peaks of Hong Kong, which ingrained a love of exploration and nature. In my early days of climbing, probably through my negligence as a hiker, my guide needed to teach me the importance of the five P's. I believe it's also used in military training. The five P's stand for "Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance." His pearls of wisdom stuck. I wish I had heard about the P's before finding out the hard way.
Years back, one summer in Sun Valley, Idaho, leaving for a long hike wearing nothing but a sports bra top, shorts and a litre or so of water. It was baking hot, and we were headed on a day hike 3,000 feet up a rocky ridge. I enjoyed the hike up the ridge, laughing and chatting with friends as we navigated to higher altitudes. As soon as we hit the ridge summit, ominous black clouds approached fast and furious. Within minutes the temperature plummeted, and terrifying fork lightning lit up the ridge. We fled to shelter under a small cluster of trees just as the hail began. To say we were frozen is an understatement. The six of us were highly unprepared, not appropriately dressed, and had no rain gear, no warm clothes, no emergency blanket, no medical supplies, and no food. We huddled for about an hour without any relief in the weather. We decided our lives depended on keeping moving to avoid hypothermia. We ran for two hours down the mountain and luckily survived to tell the tale. I learned a valuable lesson on the importance of preparation.
Nowadays, I won't leave for a hike of any distance without the five P's. I carry everything in my rucksack, so I am always prepared.
Another benefit of hiking is the scenery. On our Colorado hikes, I see fields of beautiful mountain flowers and listen to the rustle of the Aspen leaves on the trees, spy deer, marmots, and eagles. Nothing makes me happier than being outside, exerting myself and sharing that experience with friends. More often than not, our hikes lead to a beautiful mountain lake where the waters glisten magnificently blue from the melted glacial snow. If you want to take that exertion to another level, go swim and experience the benefits of a cold plunge. Always pack warm clothes for the descent.
Wherever you are in the world, find time to hike and enjoy the benefits.
Also see: Opinion: Annabelle Bond's tips on how she gets her body ready for summer