Does Hiking Really Make You Happier?


All across the nation, specifically here in the Pacific Northwest with our vast array of mountainous terrain, a summer time favorite for outdoor enthusiasts is to pack up their hiking gear and head for a trek through the wilderness.

Not only does hiking provide a great cardio workout, a one hour hike out in Mother Nature often burns well over 500 calories and is a great way to reduce depression and anxiety.

Dr. Michael Smith, a contributor and writer for WebMD states in a recent article that hiking also has the following health benefits:

  • Lowers risk of heart disease
  • Improves blood pressure and sugar levels
  • Improves balance
  • Lowers risk of colon and breast cancers
  • Strengthens core muscles
  • Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Better Sleep
  • Minimized risk of early death

While all these benefits are great, it’s not uncommon to hear of hikers suffering from sore feet and aching joints, which is why it’s a smart decision to invest in SmartCells Active orthotic insoles before hitting the trail.

SmartCells active orthotic insoles kept Valerie S. comfy during her entire hike.

SmartCells active orthotic insoles offer arch and heel support, are personalized for size and designed for impact-related activities.

The uniquely designed dual-stiffness SmartCells cushioning technology can significantly reduce peak-impact stress, and reduce foot and joint pain associated with walking.

Don’t just take our word for it though. We recently received an email from SmartCells orthotic insoles user and advocate Valerie S. detailing her latest hiking experience with our SmartCells Active Orthotic insoles as her and her husband attempted to crest the Mt. Whitney hiking trail in the Mount Rainier National Park.

Valerie wrote:

I wanted to let you know my experiences using the Active anti-fatigue orthotic insoles in my hiking shoes last week.  I carried a 41 pound pack for an elevation gain of 5,500 feet up to 12,500 feet for a distance of 16 miles roundtrip.  I was climbing Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states.  This took 3 days.  The first day was to Iceberg Lake at 12,500 feet.  We left the heaviest of our gear there, and the continued to the summit at 14,580 feet.  The entire time of I used the SmartCells orthotic insoles and never had any fatigue in my feet, or any blistering (which usually occurs).   This is quite unusual for me, as fifteen years ago I had a severe injury to my big toe which shattered the big joint and during the years it has become painful for me to do a lot of activity.  I continue to do a lot of activity, but with pain and blistering.  This time I had very little pain to my feet and no blistering.  My feet did not get as hot as they usually do, even though one day was close to 80 degrees.  I would highly recommend using these insoles for strenuous physical activity.  My husband couldn’t believe I did so well with my feet either after he has heard me complain so much.  I wouldn’t let him have my inserts on the trip though, he’ll need to get his own for next time.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: I feel good!