5 Reasons you should take the Challenge

1. HIKING IS HEALTHY

There is a growing amount of hiking-specific research, and studies on the benefits of walking are equally applicable.
The American Hiking Society has stated that "hiking delivers a remarkable range of health benefits with comparatively few risks." Hiking can be used as a way to stay physically active,  potentially lose weight, reduce heart disease, decrease hypertension, and slow the aging process. Mental health benefits are also attributed to hiking by reducing stress and anxiety.

2. HIKING IS  SIMPLE

Frequent hikers develop additional stamina, skills, and comfort on the trail. Humans were fundamentally made for walking, what activity could be more natural than hiking?
The beauty of hiking is that unlike, say, land luge, it's an extension of something we all do naturally and every day. You will improve over time but the initial learning curve is almost non-existent.
It’s easy to stick with hiking because the frustration level for beginners is low and you can control the intensity of your workout and find the pace that works for you.

3. HIKING IS CHEAP
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Almost any other sport will have higher costs, but hiking costs are minimal.
As you get more invested into hiking, vacationing halfway around the world might be a temptation, but most of us have easy access to parks and natural areas with trails, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money (or time) on hiking. 

4. HIKING IS REAL

Hiking gives us all a chance to get away from Screen World for a few minutes/hours in our day. We spend too much time on computers and indoors. I've heard that Text Neck is becoming a "thing."
Hiking is an unscripted experience. Even a familiar trail will deliver surprises that keep your attention. 

5. YOU CAN HIKE FOREVER

It is smart to embrace a sport or recreational activity that you can enjoy in your older years. 
Many sports have limited life spans for participants, you don't see NFL players on the field in their sixties. 
As you get older, you may not get up a mountain as quickly as before. But in many ways, you’ll be a better hiker. You will pick up on subtle nuances from the trail and find great joy in the exponential beauty all around.