What’s hiking yoga and why you should try it

Hike and do yoga amongst the natural energy of the ‘great outdoors’.

Yoga has taken the fitness scene by storm. It's not only a way to keep fit but also to tune into your inner senses and reconnect with yourself in a relaxing environment. But when you think about it, most yoga sessions take place indoors in an air-conditioned fitness suite. Is that really the best way to reconnect?

Now, a new form of yoga seeks to change that and encourages users to connect with the natural energy of the outdoors. It's a fusion known as hiking yoga.

What does it involve?

As the name suggests hiking yoga mixes both hiking and yoga. Participants are encouraged to hike or walk to a location away from the bustle of the city. This could be an outer city park, a forest trail or at the top of a mountain—a place disconnected from our increasingly connected virtual world. Once there, participants then enjoy their yoga session in the tranquillity of nature and hike back once they've finished.

Why try it?

While hiking yoga may seem a lot of hassle and effort, the benefits are certainly worth it. With such busy lifestyles, people can often forget to take time out. What we think should be relaxing ends up being a chore we just tick off a list. But hiking yoga encourages participants to step out of the norm and experience something new.

Alongside the physical benefits of hiking, practising deep breathing yoga exercises in the fresh air, rather than an inner city gym, is also much better for your body and mind.

Colorado University Hiking club doing some group yoga on top of Mt. Oxford, Colorado at 14,160 feet. Photo: Zach Dischner

As well as this, users are encouraged to practise yoga on an area of ground that isn’t completely flat. This is designed to hone your ability to focus and concentrate while also helping to build that core muscle strength and balance.

While some users enjoy yoga on their own, hiking yoga is also considered a great way to meet new people. Likewise, if you're hiking in an unknown place it's usually safer to do so in a group.

Holidays

Due to the increase in its popularity, lots of holiday companies have now launched holiday packages offering a hiking yoga experience. From a five day yoga and coastal walking holiday in Cornwall to a revitalising hiking yoga mini break in the Scottish Highlands, each break is designed to help holiday makers reconnect in the tranquillity of nature.

But you don't need to go to the ends of the UK to feel its benefits. If there's a wooded park near you, grab your things and try it out. You'll be ditching your gym membership in no time.

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