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!
