Scared of hiking? How about the new 'soft hike' trend on TikTok

Virgin Radio

19 Apr 2023, 08:57

If you've ever been on a dating app, you'll have seen just how many people adore hiking.

However, many people dread the thought of stomping up and down hills, no matter how beautiful the view.

TikTok is back with a trend that might change the game for you, with 'soft hiking'.

It acts as an introduction to walks without the pressure, and it's all about slowing things down.

The idea is to go on a gentle workout walk at your own pace, and it prioritises taking in your surroundings too and admiring nature.

Soft hiking is more of a casual amble about through nature rather than marching up a hill.

Fans of the method encourage you to stop and admire the view, smell the roses, whatever takes your fancy.

Lucy and Emily of 'softgirlswhohike' on TikTok coined the phrase.

The trend is accessible to all levels of fitness and puts mental health at the fore too.

You don't even need to splash out for a gym membership.

Personal trainer Dom Thorpe told Metro: ‘Soft hiking is a great way for anyone to get some well-needed exercise for both the body and the mind.

‘It’s the idea that hiking doesn’t need to be an intense, challenging form of walking and that going for a less-challenging walk in nature still offers similar benefits. 

‘As someone who works with clients with disabilities and chronic illnesses, I’m well-aware that exercise intensity should be modified massively depending on the capabilities of the person doing it. 

‘If the idea of trekking up a mountain fills you with dread, a bit of soft hiking will offer the benefits of exercise, mental wellbeing, escapism and allow you to focus on something other than your mobile phone screen for a while.’

Dom adds: ‘For many people it’ll provide a raised heart rate, functional exercise for the lower body and a huge dose of endorphins to help you boost your mood. It gets the thumbs up from me.’

Would you give this a go?