For many, a daily walk has become the highlight of the day. As a low-impact workout, hiking has surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Santé editorial team is no exception—we're lacing up our shoes and hitting the trails regularly.
Ilse (digital frontend designer): "I haven't changed my exercise routine much since working from home became mandatory—I already worked from home 88% of the time. Living on the edge of a village, I don't feel cooped up. Dwingelderveld National Park is just 300 meters from my door, and Drents-Friese Wold is a short drive away. On nice days (I'm no bad-weather hiker!), I walk these areas with my family or bike through the heath and woods. Since we're relatively new to the area, there's always a new route to explore."
Read also: 'With these apps, walking becomes even more fun'
Alexandra (art director): "I have a love-hate relationship with walking. It's slow and time-consuming, yet it clears my mind and brings calm. During the pandemic, I alternate 5 km walks with runs—one day it's effortless, the next it's a struggle. My area offers stunning options like forests with fens, Kampina, and Drunense Duinen, right in my backyard. The key is getting outside: it shifts your perspective and puts daily irritations in place."
Chantal (online editor): "Pre-pandemic, I walked twice weekly—Wednesdays and Fridays, early mornings, but only in good weather. Now, I walk far more, rain or shine. After a day indoors, it's a true escape and the peak of an otherwise monotonous day. I favor lakeside paths, dikes, or neighborhood loops, ideally at day's end when it's quiet."
Seeking stunning trails? Our March Santé issue features six exceptional routes, with insights from avid hikers on why they're hooked.
