Visits, discoveries, sport and letting go: hiking, a summer activity with multiple health benefits

Solo, as a couple, or as a family, in the mountains or in the city, hiking benefits both physical and mental health. pixdeluxe/Getty Images

Whether you're heading to the seaside, the mountains, or a European capital, nothing will stop you from succumbing to the call of hiking this summer. Science has been repeating it for months: this physical activity is beneficial for health and well-being, and as a bonus it allows you to combine visits, discoveries, sport, and letting go. Why do without it ?

Hiking did not need the Covid-19 pandemic to obtain public favor, but it is clear that this period, through a quest for authenticity, nature, and well-being, has allowed it to gain even more popularity. A survey carried out in 2021 by the Union Sport & Cycle for FFRandonnée made hiking the most practiced activity in France, ahead of cycling, swimming, jogging, and even fitness. More than half of those surveyed (56%) claimed to have practiced it over the last twelve months, whether assiduously or occasionally, or even on vacation, compared to 37% in 2014 according to a Sportlab study.

A bubble of well-being

And make no mistake, if hiking is considered a leisure activity and an accessible way to get active, it is also popular for its impact on mental health. More than eight out of ten French people surveyed (85%) believed that the term well-being perfectly defined this activity. A completely well-founded and justified feeling if we look at the numerous scientific studies which have evaluated its effects on health. Recent research has shown that a walk in nature can improve attention and concentration, while a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine recently suggested that brisk walking may be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

The World Health Organization (WHO), for its part, continues to point out that physical activity, more broadly, is beneficial for both the body and the mind. "Physical activity puts people in a better mood, improves their concentration and protects them against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases& quot;, explains the health authority. A good reason to leave your deckchair behind this summer, at least from time to time, to enjoy all the benefits that hiking can offer. Especially since its popularity allows it today to be available in formats as diverse as they are varied – and original.

From the most classic to the most unusual

If we rely on Larousse, hiking is a "leisure activity consisting of a long walk that is done on foot (' hellip;) on a circuit most often marked". Hikes that could be described as 'classic' are actually carried out in the forest, in the mountains, or even on the coast, generally following the network of hiking trails. The craze for hiking has, however, allowed the emergence of more original formats, but just as accessible, which allow everyone to walk to the rhythm of their tastes or desires.

Those who have set their sights on a capital for their summer vacation will not escape, for example, hiking. And for good reason, city hikes are increasingly popular with the public. Fans of social networks have also been able to see publications around 'urban hiking', a strong trend in hiking which allows you to explore the world of urban hiking. combine sport, well-being and discovery. The idea is simple, it's about taking a hike in an urban environment, backpack on your shoulders, but in a more casual outfit – albeit – and above all walking while raising your head to appreciate the city and its architectural riches, as well as its green spaces. For the benefits to be optimal, whether for physical or mental health, it is however advisable to set a fairly long distance and walk at a sustained pace.

To increase the effects of walking on well-being, you can also experiment with 'silent walking'. This popular practice simply consists of cutting yourself off from technology in order to walk in nature alone, to enjoy the benefits of silence and the environment while reconnecting with yourself. A hike that somehow combines the effects of walking, nature, and meditation, to be practiced alone, as socionauts advise, but also with others provided you agree on the rules beforehand. departure.

No matter which hike you choose, it is above all a matter of considering it as a leisure activity – and therefore as a pleasure – which will allow you to escape and release the pressure as much as possible. Whatever the path taken, the surrounding landscapes, or even the folklore that may enliven your hike, the only condition to respect concerns safety. As recommended by FFRandonnée, it is necessary to know if your physical condition allows you to walk at a sustained pace over a certain distance, and to prepare yourself (drink, food, equipment, means of communication, first aid kit) depending on the location. chosen and its difficulty. All this while not forgetting to inform your loved ones about your destination, and making every effort to respect the environment.