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Heres What Experts Had to Say

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And Im not the only one trading in mytreadmill strutsfor switchbacks.

Whats the difference between walking and hiking?

woman sweating in the gym

licensed clinical psychologist and author ofNo Perfect Love

Admittedly, the line is blurry.

For Phillips, the distinction often comes in the intention and preparation.

Hikes dont have to be a certain mileage or altitude, Phillips says.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

But they do often involve exploring new places and being in nature.

The great thing about hiking?

It can be asmildor as wild as you wanteither way, youll reap the benefits.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

What are the benefits of hiking versus walking?

Walkingis the most popular form of exercise in the world, and for good reason.

Theres thelongevity,bone strength,cardiovascular, andbrain healthbenefits.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

licensed clinical psychologist and author ofNo Perfect Love

But you get all those perks and more when you transform that walk into a hike.

Hikes often include various uphill and downhill sections, which leads to a natural undulation in effort.

Youre going to work harder going up.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Your heart rate is going to come up.

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A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

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This variation in incline demands more from your muscles than a typical stroll around the communitys retention pond.

Your next foray into the forest will likely be a little smoother.

Hiking can deepen relationships

People often recruit friends to hike with them, both for safety and enjoyment.

Hiking can also make conversations easier.

Not in the mood to chat?

Phillips says even hiking in silence with another person can foster feelings of connection.

Thoughlonger hikesmay offer deeper rewards.

We know the benefits are dose-dependent, says Dr. Dow.

That said, you probably want to leave Kilimanjaro tothe pros.

Just go after whatever trail near you feels accessible and fires up your own sense of adventure.

Bratman, Gregory N et al.

138(2015).

doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.02.005

Miyazaki, Yoshifumi et al.Nihon eiseigaku zasshi.

Japanese journal of hygienevol.

66,4 (2011): 651-6. doi:10.1265/jjh.66.651

Piff, Paul K., et al.

Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behavior.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol.

6, American Psychological Association (APA), June 2015, pp.

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