The Physical and Mental Benefits of Zip Lining

As a team that sees the benefits of our activities every day, we’re confident that one of our most popular pursuits, zip lining, has many positive impacts on both physical and mental health. But what exactly are they? In this article, we’ll be exploring how zip lining can have a positive effect on those that partake.

What is zip lining?

Zip lining involves being suspended from a steel cable via a harness and/or a protective seat, allowing you to whiz through the air and watch the scenery pass you by. It originates from mountainous areas such as the Alps and the Himalayas as a practical way of getting around, but has been adopted in other areas as a thrilling outdoor activity that provides a unique way to enjoy the landscape.

Top 7 physical benefits of zip lining

Fresh air

The positive impact of fresh air on your physical wellbeing is multifaceted. Not only does breathing fresh air help keep your lungs clean (which in turn reduces the likelihood of lung cancer), but it has also been found to improve digestion, help strengthen your immune system, and even give you more energy.

Adrenaline rush

Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, helping your heart to beat faster, and your lungs work more efficiently. Essentially, it’s a stress hormone, designed to make us sharper in dangerous situations way back when the survival of humans relied on fight or flight. Today, we can emulate the reaction in a positive way, by taking part in thrill seeking activities, of which zip lining is one.

An adrenaline rush can improve your mental concentration, and temporarily distract you from any discomfort, which feels pretty good in the moment.

Lowers your blood pressure

Any activities that get your heart pumping, such as ziplining, can help to reduce blood pressure so that blood can flow more easily around the body. In turn, this reduces the risk of coronary problems later down the line, such as heart disease.

Burn calories

You might be surprised by how much zip lining can help you burn calories. Although there isn’t much happening when you’re flying through the air, there’s walking and climbing involved in a day of ziplining that all adds up to expend your energy.

Improved eye sight

Believe it or not, switching your focus between your ropes and the views around you and in the distance can actually train your eyes to focus more quickly, which can only be a good thing when you’re back on the ground.

Strengthens your muscles

Zip lining is a fantastic workout, and it’s one of those great ones where you’re having fun at the same time. You’ll use muscles you didn’t even realise you needed for zooming over treetops - and you’ll see the benefit when you regularly take to the skies.

Helps build stamina

The physical benefits of zip lining all help to build your stamina and endurance, helping you stick with physical activities for longer. So, whilst zip lining might not initially seem like a helpful addition to your running, swimming or cycling routine, it can actually benefit it more than you might think.

Top 7 mental benefits of zip lining

Reduced stress

Fantastic views, fresh air, and the thrill of flying through beautiful scenery; it’s hard to let your every day stressors affect you when you’re zip lining. It can give you a new perspective, both literally and to take home, and you’ll leave feeling better equipped to deal with things that may be bothering you off the zip line.

Increased self esteem

Zip lining can give your self esteem a real boost, and you’ll feel particularly proud if you’ve conquered zip lining despite a fear of heights, which makes you feel like you’re able to face your fears and do hard things.

Relationship building

Whether you’re zip lining with friends, family or colleagues, bonds can be strengthened through doing something adventurous, and achieving something together. It relies on trust, communication and teamwork, which are strong foundations for any relationship.

Sense of accomplishment

Studies have shown that a feeling of accomplishment and achievement can benefit wellbeing through good mental health - if you’ve flown through the air, what else could you be capable of achieving?

Overcome nerves

The way ziplining can test your nerves is not to be underestimated - it’s a whole lot of trust that you’re putting in the equipment you’re using. Proving to yourself that you can overcome nerves to enjoy a brand new experience can work wonders for your mental health, providing you with the evidence of your ability to cope that you may need in other areas of your life.

Great way to socialise

A day out with likeminded thrill seekers is bound to bring you together with others, and we’ll always advocate for the ways that zip lining can help you make friends.

Helps you enjoy yourself

Let’s face it, zip lining is just plain fun - and who doesn’t need a bit of that in their lives?! Forget your troubles and responsibilities and simply experience the joy of being alive.

Get your adrenaline pumping with zip lining

Zip lining really isn’t the kind of thing you encounter in your day to day life, which is where specialist providers like us here at Gripped can help you enjoy this amazing outdoor activity safely.

You don’t need to travel out of your way to experience zip lining either; we’re located just a short distance from London, by Hounslow Heath, where we’ve created a space in which to enjoy the likes of zip lining, high ropes, and bag jumping safely.