If you’ve ever stepped into a forest park and felt your stress dissolve almost instantly, you’ve already tasted one of the most underrated fitness and wellness secrets available—forest walking.
Today I was reminded of this on my visit to São Francisco de Assisi Park in Curitiba (we’re so lucky, it’s a new municipal park 4 blocks from my in-laws house), where the paths weave through dense, green canopies. The air feels thicker somehow—but not heavy. It’s alive. You breathe in and realize this is what your lungs were made for.
Here’s what’s fascinating:
Studies show that walking on varied terrain with inclines, soft soil, and natural resistance from grass and roots burns up to 20–30% more calories than walking on flat pavement. A 45-minute forest walk can easily burn an extra 70–100 calories, depending on pace and incline. And today, we even brought our 7-month-old grandson, Caleb, in the stroller for even an additional 20% – 30% more calories burned (he and Cida loved it too).
But the benefits go far beyond the calorie count.
When you walk through dense vegetation, your body is doing something profound. The trees release oxygen and natural compounds called phytoncides—they boost your immune system, reduce cortisol (stress hormone), and even lower blood pressure. It’s why after 20 minutes in a forest, your nervous system begins to switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and recover.”
In other words, your walk becomes therapy.
Walking in the city is still good—but it’s mostly physical. Walking in nature engages your body and your mind. It pulls your attention outward, calms racing thoughts, and resets your emotional state. Regular walkers in forested areas have shown better mood stability, improved sleep, and enhanced creativity compared to those who only walk in urban settings. And believe me, this is exactly what I needed in order to relax and recover from my recent heart attack incident that nearly took my life 7 weeks ago.
And here’s something fitness pros love: because your stride naturally adjusts to uneven ground, forest walking improves balance, ankle strength, and joint mobility—especially useful for preventing injuries during other workouts.
Safety & Recommendations:
-
Wear supportive footwear with grip; forest paths can get slippery after rain.
-
Walk with a partner or let someone know your route.
-
Stay hydrated—even cooler forest air can mask sweat loss.
-
Avoid headphones occasionally; tune into the sounds of nature to fully engage your senses.
-
Take short breaks to breathe deeply—three slow inhales through the nose, three full exhales through the mouth. Feel the difference.
Walking in a place like São Francisco de Assisi Park isn’t just about movement—it’s about renewal. Your body works, your mind clears, and your spirit relaxes. You’ll come out lighter, sharper, and somehow more connected to the world around you. Look for a great local park in your area and try this. In Sugar Land, my 2 favorite parks to forest walk are Oyster Creek Park and Culligan Park, both off of HWY 6.
So next time you plan a “workout,” don’t overlook the simple power of a forest walk. It’s fitness that feeds your soul.
