
Hiking With Kids
Lower Merion
Why Hike?
You may be thinking now, why should I be hiking? How is it any different from taking a walk in the neighborhood? Believe it or not, there are many more health benefits to hiking compared to walking around town.
Reason #1: Exercise: Hiking builds endurance, increases ankle flexibility, and is good for your mental health. And exercise just feels good!
Reason #2: It makes you happy. Being outside reduces the amount you think about the things that are wrong with your life, which obviously makes you happier. Being outside and hiking for only an hour or two decreases anxiety and combats depression.
Reason #3: Sleep! Hiking over rough and uneven terrain requires 28% more energy (according to an article in Time) than walking on flat pavement, which is more exercise to help you sleep. It also leads you away from modern stimuli (screens - which usually lead to poor sleep quality).
Reason #4: Still not convinced? Here's a link: ten reasons to hike