When you actually sit down to think of it, this question becomes really necessary to be answered.
What is the Purpose of hiking”
A few minutes from now, I will tell you the reasons why people hike, and these reasons will be grouped under two points.
Hiking as a Hobby
Hiking which is sometimes referred to as trekking or walking (these three terms have slight differences) was solely meant for people to have fun. It was practically done for enjoyment.
According to Wikipedia hiking came to light when people started losing touch with nature because of the man-made environment (urbanization and industrialization).
If you should actually think of it, you will discover that more people in developed countries actively participate in hiking than those that are not (those in Africa).
The reason is that a large population of Africans are still very much in touch with nature.
But after years of developing into what it is now, synonymously to the advance of science and technology, it became evident that other than pleasure, hiking also has a tremendously positive effect on the health of those who engage in it.
It was now discovered that hiking has lots of health benefits after several studies were conducted over the past years.
These other benefits, I believe, became several reasons why hiking people started hiking more actively.
Because according to Statista after carrying out a survey, they compared the number of hikers in the US alone in 2008 and that of 2017.
Guess what?
The number of hikers almost doubled.
But don’t be confused.
The main purpose of hiking is recreation.
Read: Fun Hiking Gifts That Guarantee a Good Time
Hiking As Ecotherapy
Earlier on I told you I will group the purpose of hiking into two points.
Remember?
Well, this is the second.
Before going any further, we will look at the meaning of ecotherapy.
Read: Christmas gifts for hikers
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is a treatment method recommend by doctors
by doctors to patients which involves hiking in a natural environment.
As I said, other than fun, people now hike for several health reasons which include but not are limited to these;
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Improved blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Reduce cholesterol level
- Improves respiratory function
- Relieve back pain
- Prevent diabetes
- Reduce the symptom of arthritis
- Strengthen the immune system
In a broader category, the health reason why people hike is classified as either “mental or physical”.
That is exactly what this post explains.
The science of hiking: why hiking may be good for your health
Conclusion
Now you have seen it.
The reason why people now hike a trail has evolved just like every other thing over the years.
Read: Gifts for New Hikers