Cardio for the Soul: Discovering Hiking in Midlife

For years, my friend Steve would share stories about his hiking trips; where he went, how long he trekked, what he saw. To be honest, it didn’t resonate. It sounded to me like an extended walk in the woods, and I didn’t see the point. The allure escaped me.

That has changed.

Now, as I travel through Southeast Asia, I've joined the ranks of those who lace up their boots and follow the trail. Hiking still is, at its core, a walk, but what a difference perspective makes. It’s not always leisurely, but it is deeply immersive. What once felt like monotony now feels like meditation in motion. It’s exploration. It’s peace.

Last month, I spotted a waterfall on Apple Maps that looked relatively close to the main road. At the time, I was living on the island of Phuket, Thailand - surrounded by emerald jungles and dramatic cliffs that plunge into crystal clear waters. I hopped on my motorbike and followed the western coastal road for a few miles before pulling off into the woods. From there, I started the hike.

It wasn’t a difficult trail, just long enough to disconnect from the noise of the world. After about an hour, I arrived. A small but beautiful series of waterfalls lay tucked within the dense green. The sounds of the jungle are unlike anything. I sat and listened to the water, taking it all in. This is usually a time where I take the opportunity to say the most important prayer I know, Thank You.

This is where hiking found me. The visual stimulation alone; the trees, the flowers, the insects, the birds, the monkeys high in the canopy; makes the effort feel effortless. For someone who used to struggle with consistency in cardio workouts due to sheer boredom, hiking has become my outlet, something that clears my head while keeping my body active.

If you're over 40 and find high-impact workouts hard on your joints or just uninspiring, consider this: hiking delivers the benefits of cardiovascular exercise without the pounding. With the right footwear and hydration, you can walk for miles without strain and feel stronger, clearer, and more grounded afterward.

It’s more than just getting steps in. It’s a way to reset. Two to three hikes a week keeps my head clear. It gives me the space to think deeply, to process, to reflect. I’ve come to see hiking as a kind of soul work.After 40, we don’t need intensity, we need sustainability. Hiking is exactly that.

About the Author
Rick Rockefeller-Silvia is a former professional equestrian turned travel writer and wellness advocate. Now based in Southeast Asia, he writes about fitness, mindfulness, and the realities of life abroad after 40. His blog, RickSilvia.com, documents island-hopping, jungle treks, crypto-fueled travel, and the pursuit of freedom through alternative income streams.