Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Why more millennials are turning to hiking for exercise

More and more millennials are opting for more adventurous workouts

Man hiking on Highlander adventure
Predrag_Vuckovic / Highlander

Hiking is spreading like wildfire amongst millennials, and with organizations like HIGHLANDER Adventure leading the charge, it’s easier than ever to dust off your gear and make the most of a hiking trail. HIGHLANDER hosts a variety of hiking events throughout the year, stretching over the U.S., Asia, and Europe. 

Recommended Videos

HIGHLANDER Adventure aims to give people opportunities to backpack through some of the world’s most beautiful locations, like Big Bear Lake, Kalispell, and Ogden. At the helm is CEO Jurica Barac, who told The Manual all about why hiking is becoming a go-to activity for millennials around the world. 

Jurica Barac, CEO of HIGHLANDER Adventure
Jurica Barac, CEO of HIGHLANDER Adventure Jurica Barac

Millennials are prioritizing mental and physical health through adventure therapy

Barac suspects that there are a few common reasons why millennials are disconnecting from everyday life through adventure therapy. “In today’s society,” he said, “everyday life has become too hectic.” 

There’s so much going on between work, commutes, and social media that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Millennials are finding themselves burdened by life’s responsibilities, and they are finding new ways to retreat to a state of childlike, carefree play. Adventure therapy allows people to recover from stressors in just a few days, making it an ideal solution. 

Hikers on a Highlander adventure
Predrag_Vuckovic/Highlander

Covid-19 was a huge wake-up call for many millennials

Most adventurers on the HIGHLANDER Big Bear trek are ages 30-49, and there has been a steady increase in mountain hiking and outdoor exploration within this age group over the past few years. Barac attributes this shift in perspective to social media and Covid-19. 

After being cooped up indoors during the lockdown, people are starting to appreciate the small things in life, such as time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a day hike or just strolling through a park, millennials are taking their mental and physical health into their own hands. 

On this note, Barac commented, “Millennials realized the importance of well-being, and many started venturing outdoors. Social media also makes it easier to find hiking spots, connect with hiking buddies, and get necessary equipment.”

He’s right! Social media has pretty much disintegrated the barrier of entry for millennials looking to get into hiking. With a web full of information at their fingertips, there’s nothing to stop people from finding great gear, good friends, and jaw-dropping destinations.

Predrag_Vuckovic/Highlander

Benefits to unplugging and exploring the outdoors

Hustle culture has pushed society to a place where our lives are fast-paced to an unhealthy extreme. While you don’t necessarily need to go outside to take a great break, Barac believes that the healing power of nature gives you far better results. The pull to regularly unplug from today’s society is stronger than ever, and millennials are experiencing the benefits. 

Barac has met many millennials throughout his HIGHLANDER Adventure events, and many of them are never turning back to their stationary pre-Covid lives. Unplugging from the world every once in a while has allowed millennials to experience improved physical health through weight loss and better sleep, but there are many mental health benefits as well. From socialization with other hikers to finding a carefree moment, the fresh air has become an addictive way to de-stress. 

Millennials are learning that when they take care of themselves, they’re able to put 110% into everything they do. Barac said it perfectly: “[The outdoors] just brings so many great inputs into your life that manifest themselves and result in better outputs!” 

As more millennials embrace hiking and outdoor exploration, the movement continues to spread, igniting a deeper connection with the natural world. With HIGHLANDER Adventure and similar organizations leading the way, the future is bright for millennials seeking to reap the many rewards that come with adventuring.

Sarah Joseph
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
Incline walking or running, which is better for burning fat? Surprising study
If your goal is fat-burning, you might want to check out the latest research.
man running on treadmill

Walking is easier than running, but it still comes along with plenty of benefits. Studies show just two minutes of walking around the block helps blood sugar levels rise and fall more gradually and stabilize insulin levels. A brief 10-minute walk could lower blood pressure, and my mood always perks up when I walk my two little fluffy dogs around the block and see their wagging tails and smiling faces.

When it comes to achieving weight loss, researchers found that walking can help promote weight loss, so it’s worth setting off on foot, even if you’re short on time. Recently, researchers wanted to explore whether incline walking or running is better for burning fat. Incline walking is harder than it looks, and you’ll definitely feel your muscles working, especially those larger leg muscles.

Read more
How to stop muscle cramps fast: Tips for quick relief
Is it true what they say about pickle juice? Let's look at the best methods to diminish those pesky muscle cramps
A man has ankle pain during outdoor exercise. knee Injuries.

Muscle cramps put a damper on any post-workout glow or the runner’s high. Painful muscle tightening and involuntary muscle contractions can happen suddenly, and we find ourselves looking for some relief. Not all cramps emerge after a workout. Recently, I was sitting on my one leg on the couch for a while, and when I got up, I had serious muscle cramps in my ankle and lower leg. In this case, I just waited it out and massaged my ankle and calf until it started to feel better, but other times, cramps can be more painful and linger longer. 

The most common are muscle cramps in the legs and feet. Let's look at the best ways to stop muscle cramps fast so you can get relief as soon as possible. 
What are muscle cramps?

Read more
High-rep training is in fitness fashion — here’s the science on the benefits
Are there benefits to powering through more reps? What does the research show?
man holding dumbbell bicep curl

Sometimes, powering through more reps can give you that sense of accomplishment as you count the numbers and really start feeling that burn. Does more reps mean more results? Does it depend on your goals? Some people shoot for lower reps with a heavier weight, while others work with higher reps and a lighter weight. Many fitness pros say variety is the spice of life.

When I was trying to build general muscle strength and mass in my lower body and core through months of physical therapy, my physical therapist often had me power through three sets of 10 reps with a light or moderate weight or just my body weight. I always felt like I got a good workout in by the time I was done with three sets of 10 reps of my lat pulldowns, resistance band core exercises, glute bridges, butterfly kicks, squats, lunges, calf raises, and the rest.

Read more