The Science-Backed Benefits of Trekking

Trekking season is back and popular monsoon treks such as Kudremukh are now open!

Here's an extra push for you to get out there trekking. Trekking is a powerful research-backed tool for boosting your mental and physical health:

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, moderate aerobic activities like hiking significantly lower the risk of heart disease, improve circulation, and reduce blood pressure over time.

2. Strengthens Muscles and Bones

A study in Osteoporosis International found that weight-bearing activities like hiking improve bone density, especially important for preventing age-related bone loss.

3. Boosts Mental Health and Reduces Stress

A 2015 study by Stanford University found that participants who walked in a natural setting for 90 minutes showed decreased activity in the brain region associated with depression. Trekking lowers cortisol levels, alleviates anxiety, and improves mood through exposure to green spaces and physical movement.

4. Enhances Cognitive Function

Research from the University of British Columbia found that aerobic exercise improves hippocampal volume (the area of the brain associated with memory and learning) and delays cognitive decline.

5. Boosts Immunity

A study from Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that walking in forests (a practice known as "forest bathing") increases natural killer (NK) cell activity, which helps fight off infections and cancer cells.

Final Thoughts

Trekking is an evidence-backed way to care for your mind and body. Whether you're navigating mountain trails or walking through wooded paths, you’re giving your body a full-spectrum wellness boost.