When we go through near-death experiences, our human brain kicks in large quantities of dopamine, pushing us to adjust to operating at such high dopamine levels and getting a high out of it. It is why adrenaline junkies keep pushing the boundaries of themselves and seek riskier activities.

Taking part in extreme sports strengthens you physically and mentally, allowing you to de-stress, and boosts your self-esteem while improving your overall physique. And it’s kind of fun to know that there are so much more things out there for you to try!
 

It’s very hard to talk about trends when it comes to extreme sports but for the last few years people have been really trying to get in touch with nature again, and most of the popular sports are a great way to achieve that.

Research shows that in some extreme sports emotional experiences of nature constitute a compelling component of the overall sporting experience. For instance, interviews with extreme sport participants suggested that they cultivate feelings of connection to the natural world. High risk sports allow participants to explore and embrace fundamental human values because the exposure to nature is providing a range of psychological benefits as a consequence of the nature contact.

Nature can provide powerful emotional experiences, which can draw people to engage in activities like hiking, climbing, diving and trekking. Away from urbanization is where it's better to push your own limits and don’t endanger others. You should be as safe as possible but extreme sports have always been risky no matter what!
 

So what would be the most popular extreme sport in 2023? - It’s the one that keeps you in touch with nature and makes your heart pumping fast!

We believe that free rock climbing is the one to try this year. Yes, it is one of the most popular extreme sports that can even be practiced indoors with the right equipment, but if you do it where it's meant to be done, it's also the one that keeps you in love with Mother Nature. You can practice it all year round and that makes it ideal for your 2023 challenge list.

Outdoor rock climbing involves climbing and exploring on natural rock formations such as granite, limestone, and sandstone.

When you climb to heights of 20 ft or less without ropes or harnesses, you can really challenge yourself. Climb any higher without wearing safety equipment and you're into the realm of free solo climbing. This kind of extreme adventure will break down any weaknesses. This will help you to get to know yourself better, as well as know true motivation to get in shape and test your true physical strength. Mental status is also important - same as your physical one, and you could understand more about your fears and the things that make you really happy. Try to really explore them and change your weaknesses to strengths.

No matter how ready you feel to rock climb, never underestimate safety and practice. A free solo climb is the sort of thing you want to have down to muscle memory by the time you attempt it. That means you’ll want to climb the route many times with gear, before you even consider a free solo. There are so many skills to acquire and muscle groups to strengthen that you can always be improving something.

If you only focus on making it to the top of the route, you’ll be inclined to take the easiest way. Getting the most out of practice means having the discipline to learn new techniques even if there’s a simpler way up. In addition to the benefits for your heart and muscles, climbing will also improve motor skills, balance and coordination. Climbing is a total body exercise that increases power from your head to your toe. Even by doing things as simple as eating right and getting enough sleep, you’ll be putting the pieces in place to have a successful free climb.

Free rock climbing is extremely dangerous, in case you hadn’t already registered that, but it is the key for your new self love and for the one you have for nature!
 

For a start, there’s now a number of climbing gyms and bouldering facilities in major cities around the world, where you can learn techniques in a safe indoor environment. After you master the indoors, there are an endless number of spots where you could try free climbing or with probably many rock climbing options right near where you live. Here are some of the best places to try it out:

• Dolomites, Italy
• Railay, Thailand
• Wye Creek, New Zealand
• Red River Gorge, United States
• Yosemite National Park, United States

There is no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment that you feel when you finally reach one of your goals. The harder it was to reach that goal, the greater the sense of accomplishment. The enthusiasm and satisfaction of climbing a rock without falling or hurting yourself will make you want to try harder every time you go back, making it feel like an “addiction” to self-improvement.

If you still have any doubts, you can watch some of the best documentaries that have been made about this extreme sport - for example, “Free Solo”: The Alex Honnold documentary film that National Geographic made in 2018.

Any extreme sport that gets you outside, makes you happy and reminds you of human mortality, is a must for 2023.

Don’t miss the honorable mentions:

• Mountain Unicycling – treading the hills on one wheel;
• Creeking – a face to face challenge with the river;
• Highlining – from one mountain to another, on a single rope;
• Whitewater rafting;

For the best extreme sport spots around the world, visit www.xtreemo.com!