Hiking and rock climbing are two fantastic activities that encourage you to push your limits. These activities provide a variety of health benefits, but individuals must take care of their feet by wearing quality shoes with custom shoe insoles in order to continue practicing and prevent serious foot problems. As a result, the mental and physical health benefits and can leave you with better and improved health.
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Rock climbing and hiking push you to your limits and allow you to engage different body muscles simultaneously. As a result, almost the entire bones and muscles benefit from such activity.
For everyone thinking of rock climbing and going for a hike, here are the health benefits you can expect:
- It can Boost Bone Density
Hiking and rock climbing are weight-bearing workouts. In other words, the muscles and bones work in sync against gravity. This is essential for moving your body, which maintains bone density and is critical for supporting people through old age.
According to studies, almost everyone experiences bone density decline, which occurs at approximately 1% per year after one reaches age 40. However, you can slow this decline down by climbing rocks and going for a hike. According to the CDC, everyone should endeavor to have 30 minutes of physical exercise like brisk walking.
Spending time outdoor also increases your dosage of vitamin D from the sun. This is an essential vitamin that encourages calcium absorption that supports bone health. Whatever the cost of climbing Everest and other mountains, it benefits the entire body system making the experience worthwhile.
- It Benefits the Heart
Rock climbing and hiking benefit cardiovascular health. Even for a short distance, hiking will raise the heartbeat to a considerable level that will positively affect your endurance and boost your aerobic fitness. With time, your body will adjust, and you can increase the duration of your hikes. Also, with rock climbing, the more your hike, the more you increase the height you cover without running out of breath.
Also, all markers associated with cardiovascular health improvement, like pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol, etc., will be enhanced. According to studies, constant regular hiking can improve glucose tolerance, reduce bad cholesterol, and reduce the chance of hypertension.
For everyone who intends to improve their cardiovascular health, rock climbing and hiking are two exercise plans.
- Your Mental Health Benefits
Without a doubt, hiking and rock climbing provide one of the most effective ways to connect with nature. Many research already affirmed that connection with nature boosts mental and physical wellbeing. Simply admiring the sunset or appreciating the formation of the rock as you journey up can make you happy, which will translate to a lower stress level.
The Japanese, for instance, have a habit of Forest Bathing, which involves taking a hike in the woods. This act disconnects them from the digital world and connects with nature. It comes with various benefits like easing stress and boosting the body’s adrenaline supply.
Spending time in the woods summiting various mountains or taking a walk can melt away stress, depression, and anxiety. It can bring people back to the moment, trigger a sense of calm and bring peace to people/s life.
- It can Improve the Balance
When trying to climb, balance is pretty important. The right balance will keep you from falling and make it easy to get to the summit. Besides, one will likely find it challenging to shift the center of gravity into an optimal position if the balance is off.
Don’t forget that one of the added benefits of rock climbing is improved core strength. Besides, strength and balance often go together. As a result, the more you climb, the more your core strength increases, which will improve your balance.
This will make it easy for you to maintain an awkward position for long and possibly keep up balance should your weight shift to another side.
Trying various challenging positions will not be a problem with a firm and excellent balance. It will reduce the possibility of falls as you climb because you will be able to balance your body on awkward footholds like a small tree branch.
This will even reduce the possibility of falls as you proceed with your day-to-day activities.
- It Improves Memory and Brain Function
Hiking, rock climbing, and other physical activities improve blood flow to the brain. As a result, the brain gets oxygen and other essential nutrients. According to a study, when the brain gets improved blood flow, connection with the neurons and other brain parts responsible for memory and cognitive function improves.
This explained why seniors had improved memory after short bursts of exercise compared to those who did not. Many people assume they are too busy to have time for hiking and rock climbing activities.
Even though it feels good to accomplish various tasks and cross things off our to-do list, optimum exercise comes with many rewards. Getting outside can improve mood, help with focus, and improve assimilation rate. This improves efficiency at work, which ultimately improves productivity.
Conclusion
While rock climbing might seem daunting, you can do it. However, start slow by taking a hike in the wood. It will increase your strength and endurance and ultimately prepare you for rock climbing.
Climbing a rock comes with various health benefits, both physical and mental. As a result, ensure to put it among your bucket list of activities.
