Tucked into the base of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is close to many lush hiking trails that beckon to be explored with their promise of captivating views, turquoise lakes and densely wooded forests. Hiking is not only a physically beneficial way to engage with the natural world, it also presents an opportunity for self-reflection and inner healing. However, finding a consistent
hiking buddy is not always as easy as finding a hiking trail. Fortunately,
Calgary has many hiking groups who take weekly walk-about through the mountains.
If you need a little encouragement to "
take a hike", I'm going to tell you about just some of the awesome benefits of hiking. After reading this, next time someone tells you to "
take a hike", you will embrace it!
Weight Loss and Maintenance
As with any form of exercise, the amount of weight lost or health benefits gained is dictated by the level of commitment invested into it and the intensity it is performed at. According to the
American Hiking Society, an average of 100 calories can be burned for every mile walked while hiking. At a steady 24-minute mile walking pace, it is possible to burn 200-250 calories for every hour walked. Depending on your level of fitness and comfort, increasing your pace will elevate the amount of calories burned to suit your exercise needs.
In comparison to walking on a flat surface, hiking is generally a more effective to achieve weight loss due to changes of incline encountered on a trail and, if applicable, the added weight of a back pack. As a bonus, dirt trails are
gentle on your joints, which typically leave you feeling less stiff after a hike than after a long walk or run on concrete.
Cultivates Creativity
As an activity that engages the mind, body and spirit, hiking carries the benefit of nourishing our creative flow. A study on creativity carried out by the University of Utah demonstrated that spending quality time in nature improves the attention span, multi-tasking abilities and creative problem solving skills
[1].
David Sayer, a co-conductor of the study, explains that living in a technology driven society exhausts our "
executive attention". This means that our ability to switch between tasks and thoughts is overused. Rather, the "
gentle, soft fascination" that we experience in nature allows us recharge our executive attention, giving us smoother access to our deeper creative abilities.
Group Hiking
While hiking boasts many health benefits, there are some precautions that must be taken before and during a hike. Lack of outdoor experience can lead to hazardous situations on the trail. Calgary's hiking groups embrace this and organize hikes for individuals based on various levels of experience and fitness.
I would personally recommend following
Group Hiking Organizations in Calgary:
Slow and Steady Hikers sets up various outings ranging from hiking to group outdoor work-out sessions. As noted in their name, many of their hikes are set at a leisurely pace. For beginners, the laid back tone of this group could offer a
nice introduction into the world of hiking.
Cost: Its free to participate however, transportation methods and costs should be considered when signing up for outings.
Join:
Click here to be directed to the Slow and Steady Hikers meet-up forum to learn more about how to join and view their hiking schedule.
The SOCC welcomes active individuals
aged 55+ to participate in a weekly hike. Every Tuesday morning, SOCC members meet at the Montgomery Community Center at 8am to take a charter bus into the mountains. People of all fitness levels are welcome and SOCC invites those who are interested to try out a hike as a guest member.
Cost:
- Yearly Membership: $20
- Weekly Charter Bus Fee: $16-$20
- Daily National Park Entry Senior’s Fee: $8.30
- Annual National Park Entry Senior’s Fee: $57.90
Join:
Click here to be directed to the SOCC website and learn more about when, where and how to join.
CORE is made up of individuals of
varying ages and fitness levels. They offer hikes that range from easy to extra difficult. CORE is ideal for anyone who either a beginner, intermediate or advanced hiker. Rain, snow or shine, CORE hikers venture out together through-out the year.
Cost:
- Yearly Individual Membership: $20
- Yearly Family Membership: $30
Join:
Click here to find more information on how to join CORE
For more clubs and organizations, please visit
this site.
