There’s nothing more satisfying and refreshing than spending time in the wilderness with nothing but your back pack. From quiet moments of self reflection, invigorating sights and challenging yourself in nature, trekking provides a number of benefits; both physical and mental.

Here are our top eight benefits of trekking and active holidays.

Overall improved fitness

One of the major benefits of trekking is that it improves your physical health immensely. Spending multiple hours on the trail, climbing around boulders, rock hopping and ascending hills gives your whole body a workout, improving your strength, agility and cardio fitness. It’s also a fantastic way to lose weight, in that if you carry a full pack, you can burn around 600 calories per hour while trekking. It sure beats spending the same amount of time indoors at the gym!

Reduces Stress

It’s hard to argue with science. A study in the The Proceedings of the National Acadamy of Science found that that “exposure to nature can counteract the negative effects of stress and anxiety: Those who completed the nature walk tended toward less rumination—the acute focus on one’s distress—than those who took the urban route”. Spending time outdoors on a trek or active holiday in nature is a perfect way to cleanse your mind from the stress and worries from home. Trekking often requires a person to be focussed on their activity, where the only distractions are majestic vistas and dramatic scenery. Ask any trekker and they’ll attest that spending time in the wilderness was one of the most relaxing times they’ve had.

Improves Cardiovascular strength

Regular trekking can increase cardiovascular strength as the heart has to pump harder to keep up with the oxygen demand while trekking. This increases blood flow to the muscles and the brain, improving the circulatory and respiratory system’s health. In addition, breathing in the fresh air and pure oxygen from the forest and trees keeps the respiratory system clean – a refreshing change from the city air, where 75% of air pollution is from vehicle emissions

Social benefits

Trekking with other people can create lifelong friendships. While trekking, you are able to spend time bonding with members of the group, motivating and encouraging each other to keep going and persevere when times get tough. Sharing the good memories and experiences that come with trekking can also help overcome differences, encourage an acceptance of different kinds of people and increase your ability to adjust and get along with others. Being out in nature also means that technology and social media is inaccessible, stimulating one-on-one conversations. You may very well find that the people you trek with become life-long friends after spending a week in the wilderness!

Softer skill development

The benefits of trekking don’t just apply to your physical, mental or social health – it can also benefit your management skills, believe it or not! When planning your trek, you may find yourself setting training targets, planning for the trek, organising your schedule, setting goals, learning how to adapt to change and developing your mental strength. These are all skills that are highly valued in the working world, and can be a foundation for personal growth that you may surprise you with a newfounded self confidence!

Cultural Understanding

Whether you’re trekking past sacred Aboriginal sites along the Larapinta Trail, past ancient rock paintings that are thousands of years old along the Jatbula Trail, or visiting destinations rich with Aboriginal and European history on Flinders Island, there is an opportunity to gain insight into the history, lifestyle and food habits of the different cultures of a land. With this insight comes an understanding of the land that can lead to a much deeper appreciation of the area and the respect that you give it.

Wildlife encounters

Does the idea of walking in remote wilderness as wombats cross the trail ahead, wedge tailed eagles fly above and padmelons hop around the campsite as the sun sets in the distance appeal to you? We don’t blame you! This is one of the many wildlife scenarios that trekkers encounter on the Overland Track in Tasmania, where a visit into the wilderness also equates to a visit into the wildlife homeland! Wildlife and bird watching is one of the many highlights while on a trek, and can give a unique insight into the ecosystems of a destination.

Inner Cleanse

While trekking, you're much less likely to drink coffee or alcohol, but you'll drink plenty of H20 and eat wholefoods. Consuming nothing but goodness for a week or more has positive outcomes for inner health. You'll feel fantastic, your skin rejuvinates and there is definitely empowerment when the body goes a la naturale.

Inspired?

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