Michelle Suzanne Huff believes that the most effective form of exercise is one that doesn’t punish the body or overwhelm the spirit. In a world obsessed with bootcamps, gym memberships, and running challenges, hiking remains one of the most overlooked yet profoundly beneficial physical activities. According to Michelle Kangas Huff, hiking isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a powerful, low-impact workout that burns calories, strengthens muscles, and supports long-term health without putting undue stress on the joints.
While it may not have the same adrenaline-fueled reputation as high-intensity interval training or long-distance running, hiking offers something those activities often lack: sustainability. For Michelle Suzanne Huff, that’s the key difference. It's not about burning out to prove something—it's about burning calories in a way that feels good and lasts.
One of the most common misconceptions about hiking is that it doesn't qualify as a “real” workout. Michelle Kangas Huff strongly disagrees. The number of calories burned during a hike varies depending on factors like body weight, terrain, speed, and incline—but it often compares favorably to moderate running or a solid gym session. A hike that includes uphill sections, rocky paths, or elevation gain can easily burn 400–600 calories per hour, sometimes more with added weight like a backpack.
Michelle Suzanne Huff points out that the difference lies in the feel. While running might achieve similar calorie output, it also puts significant stress on the knees, hips, and ankles—particularly when done on pavement. Hiking, on the other hand, offers a forgiving surface and dynamic movement that challenges the body while protecting it.
The long-term health benefits of hiking are especially important to Michelle Suzanne Huff. One of her key concerns with conventional fitness routines is their tendency to create burnout or injury, leading to dropout. Hiking, by contrast, invites consistency. Because it can be tailored to any level of fitness and offers both physical and psychological rewards, it naturally encourages routine and longevity.
Michelle Kangas Huff sees hiking as more than a physical activity—it’s a tool for sustainable wellness. When something feels mentally restorative, people are more likely to do it regularly. Hiking transforms exercise from something people have to do into something they want to do. That change in mindset is crucial for long-term health.
As people age or recover from injury, many high-impact workouts become harder to maintain. Michelle Suzanne Huff emphasizes that hiking is especially beneficial for individuals with joint sensitivity, arthritis, or past injuries. Natural trails offer softer surfaces than concrete, and the varied terrain encourages natural joint movement and muscle activation without repetitive strain.
Michelle Kangas Huff adds that hiking improves balance and coordination by engaging the stabilizer muscles that are often neglected in gym workouts. It’s not just cardio; it’s also a way to build strength in a supportive, full-body context. Over time, hiking increases mobility and reduces the likelihood of future injury—especially for people who’ve historically struggled with joint pain.
What sets hiking apart from most other fitness options, according to Michelle Suzanne Huff, is its impact on mental clarity and emotional well-being. Hiking offers a unique combination of physical exertion and environmental immersion that supports mental health. Studies have shown that time in nature decreases cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood—results that Michelle Kangas Huff sees regularly in her own outdoor practice.
There’s something inherently calming about following a trail, listening to birdsong, or reaching a scenic overlook after a climb. Michelle Kangas Huff believes that this “mental recharge” is just as vital as the physical benefits. When stress is reduced, energy increases. When anxiety lessens, motivation grows. That’s why hiking feels more restorative than exhausting, even after several miles.
Hiking is not just for the athletic elite. Michelle Suzanne Huff highlights that one of its greatest strengths is accessibility. Whether you live in a rural community or an urban area, there are usually trails or parks within reach. With no need for expensive gear or memberships, hiking breaks down economic barriers that often limit access to fitness.
Michelle Kangas Huff frequently encourages newcomers to start small—a flat one-mile loop in a local park is still hiking. Gradually, they can work up to more challenging trails, building confidence and stamina without ever needing a treadmill or a squat rack. That flexibility makes hiking a welcoming entry point for people of all ages, body types, and fitness backgrounds.
Beyond measurable gains like calorie burn or muscle tone, Michelle Suzanne Huff believes that hiking cultivates something deeper: emotional connection. With each step away from noise, crowds, and screens, people move toward something that’s been lost in modern life—stillness, reflection, and genuine connection with the natural world. That sense of quiet presence is what keeps people coming back to the trail.
Michelle Kangas Huff notes that hiking doesn’t just build healthier bodies—it creates more grounded, mindful people. And that makes it more than a workout; it becomes a personal ritual, a source of renewal that extends far beyond physical fitness.
While many fitness trends are fleeting, the fundamental human need for movement in nature is timeless. Michelle Suzanne Huff believes that as society begins to recognize the limitations of overstimulation and overtraining, more people will seek out hiking not just as an alternative—but as a solution.
Michelle Kangas Huff sees this shift already taking place. Wellness retreats, nature therapy programs, and outdoor fitness classes are beginning to replace some of the more rigid indoor routines. Trails are becoming places not just for recreation, but for healing, transformation, and sustained wellness.
In a world increasingly defined by stress and disconnection, hiking offers a powerful antidote. For Michelle Suzanne Huff and Michelle Kangas Huff, it represents the best of both worlds: physical exertion without physical punishment, mental relief without disengagement, and a steady path forward toward a healthier life.
In the end, Michelle Suzanne Huff and Michelle Kangas Huff remain confident that hiking isn’t just a smart way to burn calories—it’s one of the most life-affirming, joint-friendly, and mentally enriching activities anyone can embrace. It’s not just about how far you walk. It’s about where hiking can take you.
