Spending your holidays in the mountains: the health benefits

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Spending your holidays in the mountains: the proven health benefits

Hiking, fresh air, silence… a stay in the mountains seems to do us a world of good.
But did you know that the benefits of the mountains are now proven? Here's what the research says, and what you're about to experience during your stay in the Pyrenees at Maison Plein Soleil.

A study by SPRIM, an agency specializing in medical monitoring, states that "the mountains combine all the attributes that would reduce stress, improve sleep quality, reduce weight, and improve quality of life."

And the good news is, a few days are enough for your body and mind to feel the effects.

Altitude vs. Anti-obesity and physical fitness improvement

Mountain holidays often go hand in hand with sports activities. But, in addition to the benefits of physical exertion on the body, the effect of altitude and the variety of terrain amplify the positive effects.thanks to a higher calorie consumption.

Dr. Frédéric Saldmann, cardiologist and nutritionist associated with the study, confirms this: physical activity in the mountains provides the same benefits as intensive training, but with a lower perceived effort.

Altitude also affects our hormones: it increases leptin (the satiety hormone) and decreases ghrelin (the hunger hormone), while boosting overall energy levels. The result: we eat better and move more.

Heart and lungs in top condition thanks to the altitude

As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and contains less oxygen. As a result, our bodies adapt by producing more red blood cells, thus creating new pathways for blood circulation. This is called hypoxia. The mountains help keep our hearts healthy.

According to the SPRIM study, the ideal altitude is between 800 and 2000m.

That's perfect, as the altitude of Montauban-de-Luchon ranges from 617m to 1900m. From the At home , you are at the ideal altitude where the benefits of the mountains on the body can be felt.

Muscle and joint strengthening through mountain activities

Whether it's summer hiking on steep trails or winter skiing or snowshoeing, mountain sports use muscles that our sedentary lifestyles tend to forget.

Walking on varied terrain improves balance and strengthens our stabilizing muscles. A snowshoeing outing allows you to burn approximately 500 kcal per hour, twice as much as walking, while being gentler on the joints. Cross-country skiing, on the other hand, works all muscle groups, including the deep muscles.

Ideally located in the Pyrenees, La Maison Plein Soleil is the starting point for many hikes, and a few kilometers from winter ski resorts.

The mountains, an ally of our immune system

Lack of pollution, exposure to the sun, cascading waterfalls, biodiversity, mountain ranges also boost our immune system.

The abundant sunshine at high altitudes, particularly in winter, allows the body to synthesize more vitamin D, essential at all stages of life. The blue light emitted by the snow, meanwhile, regulates the biological clock and improves sleep quality.

And are you familiar with the shinrin-yoku effect? Studies conducted in Japan on "forest bathing" have shown that inhaling pythoncides—molecules released by trees—significantly boosts our immunity. And this effect lasts for more than a month after just three days in the forest.

Finally, the waterfalls release negative ions which improve sleep and mood while reducing infections.

Numerous waterfalls around the house to fill up on negative ions!

Reduced stress and anxiety from our very first hours in the mountains

This is often what we feel most quickly: relaxation and serenity from the very first hours in the mountains. And it's not just an impression; science explains it.

The silence, wide open spaces, and beauty of mountain landscapes directly affect our cortisol levels, the stress hormone. According to research, "a walk of just 10 to 20 minutes in nature is enough to lower it." The sight of greenery, by releasing endorphins, the feel-good hormone, soothes the mind and helps reduce anxiety.

The shinrin-yoku effect mentioned above also works here: a 40-minute walk in the forest drastically lowers the level of cortisol, the stress hormone.

From Maison Plein Soleil, the Pyrenees and nature are on display and invite you to immediate relaxation.

As a bonus, strengthened human connections in the mountains

Add to that the sharing of moments with family or friends. The shared effort, mutual support on the trail and the conviviality around a meal after a hike, create common memories and strengthen social bonds.

Want to try it yourself?

It's not just a vague feeling, it's now proven: the mountains are a true fountain of youth. Reconnecting with nature, refocusing on yourself, moving, breathing: that's what Luchon and the Pyrenees have to offer.

Whether with friends or family, La Maison Plein Soleil welcomes up to 12 people with a large communal kitchen for good times shared.

Check availability and book your stay