the Top reasons why I urban hike

People often ask me, what is the deal with your obsession with walking or urban hiking?

It comes down to how it makes me feel.

I don’t want to go through all the benefits of walking/urban hiking but here are the main reasons why I get so much enjoyment from urban hiking.  It is such an important outlet for me and a critical part of my routine at the end of my workday. 

1.          Physical movement & endorphins

I am no expert when it comes to human physiology, but I do know that when you walk, your body releases endorphins which are those natural "feel-good" chemicals that are often associated with exercise. Endorphins can improve mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of euphoria which is often referred to as the "runner's high.”  I feel this every time I go for a walk.  Even on days where it seems as though there is a dark cloud over my head, after 10 minutes of a walk, I feel like a completely new person with a very positive frame of mind.

2.         Low energy is not a problem

On when I am feeling absolutely exhausted, I know that I always have enough gas in the tank for a walk.  This is the big difference for me when comparing the energy needed for a walk versus other forms of exercise like going to the gym.  I simply walk out of the house and put one foot in front of the other. That is all that is required, and before I know it, I have walked 30 minutes.  

3.         Mental Clarity & Stress Relief

I am often able to break down problems at work or get a clearer picture of something that is bothering me during a walk.  New solutions or out of the blue answers usually pop into my head without me even consciously thinking about a certain subject.  The rhythmic motion of walking combined with the act of being outside will reduce my stress and improve my mental clarity. Many people find that their best ideas come to them while they are walking.

4.         Mindfulness & Presence

Walking naturally encourages you to be present in the moment. You become more aware of the world around you, your body’s movement, your breath, and the sensations in your feet as they meet the ground. This mindfulness can be soothing and meditative, helping to quiet the chatter of daily life and grounding you into the present moment.  I get lost in my thoughts while my breathing hums along like the baseline for a good song.

5.  Breathing and Posture

Walking encourages better posture and deeper breathing. I am also a runner, so I am used to the breathwork but the attention to posture is excellent for me.  I am naturally someone who slouches with my upper back, so when my torso is erect for over 1 hour a day, it really helps me reset.   When we walk, we engage our core muscles and tend to breathe more deeply, which can help reduce tension and increase overall relaxation.

7.        The Simplicity and Sense of Accomplishment

There’s something inherently satisfying about the simplicity of walking. It doesn’t require special equipment or a complicated routine. It’s the most basic and accessible form of movement.  The sense of accomplishment is also very impactful for me.  I will sometimes look at a map of my route afterwards and am continually amazed at seeing how my own two feet have allowed me to travel such a great distance.  It often doesn’t hit home until you hear other people comment that they would only use the subway or drive to cover an equivalent distance.

Happy Hiking!

Mike