Well, there is no concrete answer to whether hiking is a sport or a hobby.
The information available over the internet 🫰 considers NO to the question: is hiking a sport?
To be something falling in the category of sports following fundamentals to 🫰 be considered:Physical exertionRules of engagementCompetition
Single governing bodyEntertainment
Hiking passes the test of all requirements except point I-e.
, 'Single governing body', but 🫰 with climate action summits being regularly organized and the world getting serious about climate change, hikers are optimistic to achieve 🫰 a concrete answer 'YES' for the argument; Is hiking a sport.
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Physical Exertion in Hiking
As for all other 🫰 sports having a governing body, hiking requires physical exertion to the point of sweating.
Some hiking trails are tough to hike 🫰 with environmental factors playing an important role like weather conditions, hiking time, energy levels, and physical endurance.
For beginners going out 🫰 on their first hike should pick up the most frequently traveled hiking trail.
It is recommended to start hiking after due 🫰 risk assessment as there is a lack of awareness among beginners.
To help you start with your first hike, here is 🫰 the push starter kit for hiking covering risk assessment to be done prior to hiking.
Rules of Engagement
Some sporting geeks consider 🫰 regular sports like football, baseball, tennis, etc.
as sports as they have certain rules of engagement, but they neglect hiking to 🫰 be considered as sports.
For your ease and better insight into this interesting debate: Is hiking a sport? consider following the 🫰 rules of engagement for hiking and decide later:
Proper hiking gear is essential to have a comfortable hike.
The ultimate goal of 🫰 defined rules of engagement in any sport is to minimize the chances of injury.
For swimming, one needs to be dressed 🫰 up in a swimsuit to achieve the best results.
Diving into the water wearing a formal wedding suit could be disastrous 🫰 as it can hinder performance with sizable risk involved in terms of cost and injury.
Similarly wearing an outfit like Indian 🫰 Sari, or Shalwar Kameez (traditional Pakistani dress) with slippers could be equally dangerous while going out on a hike.
is essential 🫰 to have a comfortable hike.
The ultimate goal of defined rules of engagement in any sport is to minimize the chances 🫰 of injury.
For swimming, one needs to be dressed up in a swimsuit to achieve the best results.
Diving into the water 🫰 wearing a formal wedding suit could be disastrous as it can hinder performance with sizable risk involved in terms of 🫰 cost and injury.
Similarly wearing an outfit like Indian Sari, or Shalwar Kameez (traditional Pakistani dress) with slippers could be equally 🫰 dangerous while going out on a hike.
Time selection for hiking (morning / evening / night).
Solo hike or hiking with a 🫰 partnerHiking stick
Hiking pouch or hiking bagCompetition
A single player practicing any sports whom they are competing with? Without any doubt one 🫰 can answer; they are improving sporting skills through practice, competing with their previous version, competing with themselves.
In the same manner, 🫰 one can easily understand that in hiking you are your own competitor.
Every day is a new day and every hike 🫰 is a new learning experience.
By regular hiking, one can feel a significant change in fitness level.
The significant change in capacity 🫰 after every single hike gives you a new normal.
The body adjusts and adapt to new record in terms of time 🫰 taken and number of steps.
Generally in the hiking community, it is considered a taboo to compete with other hikers, they 🫰 usually support each other to get to the top simultaneously.
Apart from this, trail uphill running is regularly organized by different 🫰 clubs to test endurance athletes, in a direct competitive environment.
Governing body
Yes, there is no single governing body for hiking as 🫰 FIFA for football and ICC for cricket.
A single governing body helps to have standardized SOPs and rules.
Nevertheless, different clubs and 🫰 organizations are operating in their respective regions facilitating mountaineers and hiking groups to have safe and secure hiking experience.
Join our 🫰 club tendwa for hiking expeditions in Pakistan.
Entertainment
As for other sports where watching competition is entertainment for viewers, hiking does not 🫰 necessarily provide entertainment for spectators watching and bucking up their favorite hiker.
But with awareness and the hiking club's regular announcements 🫰 for trail running, endurance hikes, full-day hikes, and camping overnight you can find a lot of entertainment and fun times.
Competitive 🫰 Hiking is a sport
Hiking is a challenging sport in which you had to go through an endurance test, mental strength, 🫰 and physical exertion basic building block for the question; is hiking a sport? Despite varying opinions, competitive hiking is announced 🫰 regularly by clubs where competition is exercised and the winner gets the reward.
The event encourages new hikers to participate and 🫰 learn skills for hiking.
The faction that supports hiking is a recreational activity and not a sports believe due to their 🫰 occasional presence on a hiking trail.
In contrast, regular hikers having a hiking habit had a strong opinion that it should 🫰 be considered a sport.
Hiking is a mental exercise
With the rising percentage of mortality due to factors including stress, anxiety, and 🫰 depression, it is recommended to have mental exercise along with physical exertion.
During a hike, you need to keep the focus 🫰 on your foot and body movement to avoid injury.
The concentration on the activity qualifies hiking is a mental exercise.
Mental stability 🫰 is crucial to keep healthy relationships among colleagues, family, and life in general.
Hiking is a social connection
'Human is a social 🫰 animal', we all have heard this phrase.
Hiking not just give us a chance to make new friends; it also encourages 🫰 us to be connected with nature.
The mountains and wildlife had a deep connection with our being.
Mountains are the source of 🫰 safe drinking water and a habitat for wildlife.
The scenic views and fresh air rejuvenates the mind and soul.
Hiking as a 🫰 hobby
Ofcourse, you can start hiking now and develop hiking as a hobby.
All you need is the ability to walk and 🫰 there you go one step after the other.
On the run, you would learn the basic hiking gear required for regular 🫰 hiking.
Once you develop the routine, you would love to be in nature exploring new paths and trying variations in hiking.
In 🫰 times of so many external stressors, hiking as a hobby is an excellent pastime with enriching health benefits (both physical 🫰 and mental).
Hiking is a habit
Don't be surprised; regular hikers had a habit of hiking.
They adjust their timetable accordingly to achieve 🫰 a weekly target of physical and mental activity in their routine.
Initially, it starts with a hobby and then develops into 🫰 a habit.
To develop a hiking habit, we have developed a 30 days challenge kit.
This practice can be applied to change 🫰 an existing habit or develop a new one.
Remember, habit is not developed overnight.
It takes atleast 30 days to accomplish the 🫰 basic level and the sky is the limit.
The more you are serious about it, the more effort you would employ 🫰 to achieve the Spartan level.
A 90 days hardcore reboot is your next step in habit development.
Conclusion
Whether you consider hiking as 🫰 a non-sporting activity or hiking is a sport, you cannot deny the health benefits of hiking, be it physical, mental, 🫰 or social.
Going out in nature had healing properties.
By introducing hiking in your routine keeps the doctor at bay.
Hiking is deep 🫰 rooted in our DNA since ancient times.
Monks and Buddha teachings suggests hiking as a ritual.
Mountains and humans had a deep 🫰 connection.
So what are you waiting for? Find a nearest hiking trail and step on to enrich your body and mind.
If 🫰 this article inspires you in any way, don't hesitate to comment and share.
Happy hiking!
