I'm excited to share Holistic Hikes' 1st Guest Blogger, Megan Killorn.
Megan is an Ocean dweller, Mountain explorer, Adventure Seeker, & Yoga lover.
Her philosophy is simple.
Movement is medicine & the power of our breath.
Megan believes that working in is as important as working out.
It's the connection of these elements through yoga that have the most profound effects holistically.
Meg & Mands (me) have been facilitating Hike & Yoga events for several years now, sharing our passion, expertise, and specially curated days for others to find balance with movement and mind.
Megan is a Yoga instructor and teacher trainer with over 10 years of experience.
Words: Megan Killorn
As a yoga instructor and avid hiker myself, I know firsthand how getting into a regular yoga practice has many benefits for hikers and backpackers, on and off the yoga mat. From improving flexibility, strength, balance, and body awareness, and promoting relaxation and injury prevention, yoga can help you stay healthy and strong when you hit the trails, or just in your everyday life!
Yoga can help you stretch and warm up before a hike, and it can also be a good way to cool down and relax after a hike, whether you’ve been out on a leisurely walk, a challenging day hike, or an overnight adventure.
So what is yoga?
Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. It involves a series of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation, all designed to help you move better and breathe better so you feel more relaxed, focused, and centered.
Yoga when practiced with intention helps calm the mind, supports a healthy body, and promotes happiness from within. Hiking can bring about a similar sense of quietness and connection to oneself and to nature.
Why include yoga as part of your training for hiking?
● Improves flexibility and mobility: Hiking and backpacking can be physically demanding activities that require good flexibility and mobility. Yoga can help improve your range of motion, making it easier to move your body and avoid injury on the trail.
● Strengthens muscles: Many yoga poses require you to use your own body weight as resistance, which can help build strength in your muscles. This can be particularly helpful for hikers and backpackers who need strong legs, core, and back muscles to carry heavy loads and navigate rough terrain.
● Enhances balance and stability: Yoga poses that focus on balance and stability can help improve your coordination and control, which can be particularly useful when hiking on uneven, steep or rocky terrain.
● Promotes relaxation and reduces stress: Hiking and backpacking can be physically and mentally demanding, and it's important to take time to relax and unwind. Yoga can help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reduce stress and anxiety.
● Increases body awareness: Yoga requires you to pay attention to your body and how it feels in each pose. This can help you develop a greater sense of body awareness, which can be useful when hiking or backpacking to prevent injury and stay safe.
● Offers injury prevention and rehabilitation: If you have a pre-existing injury or are recovering from one, yoga can be a great way to prevent further injury and aid in rehabilitation. Many yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen muscles, improve the range of motion, and promote healing.
Yoga is something you can do at the start of your day to warm up or at the end of the day as a reset. The beauty of yoga is that you can do it almost anywhere: in a studio, at home, or out in nature. If you're looking for a way to boost your physical and mental health, consider combining hiking and yoga. Both activities offer unique benefits, and when done together, can help you feel stronger, more relaxed, and more connected to nature and yourself.
Megs x
Megan has an incredible story about why and how she found yoga to overcome challenges. To learn more about Megan or connect with her, visit her website >>> Megan Killorn <<<
Keen to hit the trails and the mat? Join me, a keen hiker and experienced yoga teacher for over 10 years, and Amanda from Holistic HIkes for one of our popular Hike & Yoga Day Retreats or getaway with us to Wilson’s Prom this coming June.