Why Hiking might be the perfect workout

Last weekend I headed out and did the 2-day Pouakai Circuit in Taranaki — it was beautiful, fun, and a great challenge. I definitely felt the benefits of all those step-ups, squats, and lunges we do in our sessions!

Wherever you live in New Zealand, within a short drive you can find forests, coastal tracks, mountain trails, and so many beautiful places to explore — most completely free and open to anyone willing to put on a pair of shoes and head out.

It’s tramping season, and quite a few of the women in our group are currently off on their own hiking adventures — weekend walks or planned trips around New Zealand, exploring different parts of the country on foot. Some carry their own gear, while others join assisted groups where someone else carries your pack (and maybe even the wine!).

Honestly, hiking might be one of the best “sports” there is:

• You can start at almost any level.

  
  

• You can go alone or with friends.

  
  

• You can make it easy or challenging.

  
  

• And the reward is always the same — fresh air, incredible views, and that satisfying feeling of having gone somewhere under your own steam.

  
  

It’s also one of the reasons I love the type of training we do together.

The strength, balance, and fitness you build in our sessions aren’t just for the workouts themselves. They’re for real life: climbing hills without your legs giving up, feeling steady on uneven ground, carrying a pack comfortably, and finishing a long walk with the resilience to keep going.

That’s the real goal — having a body that lets you say yes to adventures.

One of the nicest parts is that when you train with us, you’re surrounded by women who enjoy these things too. If you love hiking — or want to start — you’ll find plenty of people here who are keen for a walk, an adventure, or simply getting outdoors together. It’s one of the things that makes this group special.