IQ loss and hiking

[The Mechanical Man]

I have been section hiking the trail since 1984, is that bad for my brain IQ too?
I am glad to just follow the white blazes, and .................................................. .........................................
I forget what I was going to say next................

[Dancer]

Hiking might not make you more or less intelligent but I am sure that the physical benefits are worth the risk. I can feel the stress melt away, I'm sure my blood pressure goes down and my cardiovascular health goes up. I feel happy and content. To me that is more important than my IQ. Who really keeps up with their IQ anyway? Sounds pretentious to me.

Three weeks in the woods or more has to be healthier than three weeks in my cubicle, behind my desk, clicking away at this keyboard. UUUUGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

[Sly]

Backpacking, as most non-critical thinking hobbies, doesn't require much brain power once you have some experience.

Neither do most jobs....

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

You don't need a 3 week vacation, one hour in Gatlinburg will do it.

::: Dino gives Tipi a high-five :::

[EWS]

Neither do most jobs....

Unions and the government disagree.

[futureatwalker]

There has been a few interesting articles in the New York Times recently that relate, indirectly, to this issue.

The articles have asked the question: what's better for your intelligence when you are aging: mental excercise (puzzles, computer programs, etc.) or physical excercise?

The answer is physical excercise, by a mile (although, of course, staying mentally active with engaging hobbies and social activities is beneficial).

It's all about blood flow my friend. The better your circulatory system, the younger you are.

[Jan LiteShoe]

I read an item today that stated a person suffers a temporary 20 point drop in their IQ rating after a three week vacation. The apparent result of not having to think too deeply for 21 days. This doesn't bode well for long distance hikers especially if repeated exposure causes a permanent condition. I'm pretty sure I have seen evidence of this happening.

Ha-ha, you sure that's not because of all the glasses with the little umbrellas?

[Lugnut]

I drink beer so I'm immune.

[Tennessee Viking]

I read an item today that stated a person suffers a temporary 20 point drop in their IQ rating after a three week vacation. The apparent result of not having to think too deeply for 21 days. This doesn't bode well for long distance hikers especially if repeated exposure causes a permanent condition. I'm pretty sure I have seen evidence of this happening.

For hiking, I think you would increase IQ. Always thinking logistics, budgeting your money between towns, plan out your next day....

But in personal experience after a good 10 mile hike in blazing humidity and sun, I think one would start to go loopy from exhaustion and dehydration.

[superman]

I have observed that the children born of thru hiker parents seem to be healthy, happy and well above average. I'm not to sure about the parents though.