Jun 74 min read

"Go Take a Hike!"

You may have seen on our website our “Wilderness Walks” and wondered what they are all about. Well, I am glad you asked, or were thinking about asking. Let me tell you a little story about how they came about.

The Idea

In my work with men, I will ask them “when do you feel the most at peace? When are the times you feel joyful about just being alive on planet earth?” Now I don’t fancy myself as a gambler, at least not with money, but If I was I would lay odds, I would tell you that 4 out of 5 men will reply with an answer that includes something in nature. Fishing, running, hiking, hunting, camping, bike riding… you see where I am going. Over and over again when men begin to develop healthier ways to live, nature comes into the equation for most.

The Research

This got me thinking, and when I think I investigate. So, I researched the positive effects of exercise and exercise outside. Now everyone knows that some regular exercise is good for your heart, waistline and keeping your doctor off your back. But I wanted to know about the phycological benefits to it. I found research from Doctors at Duke University, Boston University, Indiana University and others have documented how mood is enhanced, and depression is decreased with activity. In fact, "Exercise seems not only important for treating depression, but also in preventing relapse," says James Blumenthal, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Duke University.[1]

In 2006, Michael Otto, a psychology professor at Boston University and colleagues reviewed 11 studies investigating the effects of exercise on mental health. They determined that exercise could be a powerful intervention for depression.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression have increased 25% worldwide.[2]

I don’t know how many of you ever gone for a run or worked out after a fight with your wife or another particularly stressful event, but chances are if you did, you felt better afterward. This “link between exercise and mood is pretty strong," [3] Usually within a few minutes following moderate exercise you get the mood-enhancement effect. I.E. You feel better!

Another benefit from some moderate exercise is to our autonomic response system. The Fight-or-Flight reactions we all have. When we're spooked or threatened, our nervous systems jump into action. People with heightened sensitivity to anxiety respond with fear. This can even lead to panic disorders later on down the road. Dr Smits and Dr. Oto’s research reasons, regular exercise may help people prone to anxiety become less likely to panic.

The exact reason why moving your muscles can have such a significant effect on mental your health is illusive. Perhaps it’s because exercise alleviates chronic depression by increasing serotonin (the neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants) or because it supports the growth of neurons in the brain. Another theory suggests exercise helps to normalize sleep, which is known to protect the brain. Whatever the exact reason, the benefits easy to understand.

The Problem

So, if we know it’s so good for us why don’t we do it? Solid question, I mean if exercise makes us feel so good, why is it so hard to do it? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 25% of the U.S. population reported zero leisure-time physical activity.[4]

Starting out may just be too hard. Beginning a new exercise program is one of the reason some people disdain physical activity. When people exercise above their respiratory threshold — that is, above the point when it gets hard to talk — they postpone exercise's immediate mood boost by about 30 minutes. For many, that delay can turn them off for good. Given that, doctors recommend that workouts start slowly, with a moderate exercise plan, and that is why I created Wilderness Walks.

The Solution

I have selected moderate walks in our beautiful Pacific Northwest. We are never out of touch with GPS communications. In addition, I am Wilderness First Aid certified through NOLS. Each Wilderness Walk is carefully reviewed to ensure a well-maintained trail that allows for that respiratory threshold to be maintained, with some mild moments of challenge, allowing us the benefits both physically and neurologically. As an added benefit we get to be outside in nature! It provides a neutral space,— whether it’s the trees, mountains or water — it often can help men better identify and discharge our stress.

The pace of the path, while in the fresh air coupled with exercise can boost your overall mood, while being active can also combat feelings of being “stuck.” It brings back a renewed sense of hope and progress. Men especially benefit from movement in outdoor as it rekindles their motivation and helps to rebuild some of their confidences they may have lost in their struggles of life.

Come join us on our next Wilderness Walk as we hang out in the woods to unplug and unwind.