Lifestyle Influencer Miles Gray Talks Travel, Fitness And Hiking

A little over 4 years ago Miles Gray swapped the Gold Coast’s endless summers for Tasmania’s cooler surroundings in a move that changed the course of this life. Since swapping his surfboard for hiking boots, Gray’s adventurous personality, a love for the outdoors and a keen eye for photography have captured the attention of social media enthusiasts. 

Gray’s growth has seen him quickly transform into one of the nation's most prominent adventure and lifestyle influencers, capturing the attention of both the public and Tourism Australia. His love for hiking and the great outdoors have seen him conquer some of the nation’s most beautiful trails, capturing every step on his lust-worthy Instagram account.

As a fully qualified and practicing physiotherapist, Miles lives the lifestyle he preaches. Keeping active even when travelling, he knows a thing or two about making fitness a priority. The avid traveler incorporates his love of hiking and yoga into every destination, capturing picturesque locations and images along the way.

We spoke hiking and travel with Miles to get some tips on how you can ensure you stay active during your travels as well.

Can you share with us your exercise philosophy? 

Essentially I believe you can use it or lose it. This is something I encourage my patients to believe at work too. It’s not widely understood that as you age, you naturally lose strength, balance and bone density. The only way to counteract this is specific exercise. I am on the preventative medicine bandwagon, rather than the curative, so I practice what I preach. 

How has being a physiotherapist shaped your approach to health and fitness? 

My approach to health has been hugely shaped by my studies and years practicing as a physiotherapist. To remain registered as a health professional in Australia, you must continue a certain amount of further study every year. As a result, I am always reading and keeping up to date with the newest evidence related to exercise and physiology, so I am giving the most up to date advice to my patients, but also have the knowledge to benefits my own efforts. 

Can you share with us your typical weekly fitness routine? 

I treat exercise as an opportunity, not an inconvenience, so as part of that I walk or ride to work every day. Additionally, I usually go for one longer run once or twice a week as I find this is a good stress release. As is yoga class that I attend once or twice a week. I also have a gym membership, and I use the gym to do specific strengthening and rehabilitation for my whole body as I have old injuries that need constant maintenance so that they do not impact on my life. 

You are known for swapping your surfboard for hiking boots. What influenced your love for hiking and the outdoors? 

The temperature difference in the Tasmanian ocean compared to those in Queensland was the main factor for my change in activity. But if you ever make it to Tasmania, I think you’ll see why it’s hugely attractive to get into the natural environment and conquer the many mountain peaks. 

You have become an intrepid traveler and lifestyle influencer. What has been your most memorable trip to date? 

The first trip that always comes to mind is my visit to Namibia. The hostile landscapes and the difficulty accessing the country from Australia are the main reasons why it’s the most memorable. But it was also some of the most magnificent imagery I have ever captured. It looked more like a painting than a photograph, even before any editing.  

What is the best way to incorporate fitness into your travels?

I have some really light and portable equipment I always carry with me to continue exercising in my hotel rooms if there is no gym available. But my favorite activity is to find a running route that allows me to combine sightseeing with fitness. I am all about effectively using my time when it is so limited during my travels. 

Best advice for those who are looking for an adventure? 

Always make conversation with locals wherever you are staying. They will have the best insight into the activities worth making time for. And there is nothing more adventurous than getting off the tourist track and taking the road less traveled in a new environment. 

What are the top 5 walking trails everyone should visit in Australia? I am going to be biased, because I’ve been living in Tasmania for the last 4 years, but I honestly think Tasmania is a hiker’s dream. Overland Track, Tasmania Three Capes Track, Tasmania The Gold Coast Hinterland has a number of beautiful short walks Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory Bishop and Clerk Track, Tasmania.

What are the top 5 hiking essentials you never travel without? If it’s a multi-day trek, an emergency beacon More than enough food and water A long, waterproof jacket A flexible/octopus camera tripod Ziplock bags  For the beginner, what you need to know before your first hike: If you are starting from scratch, gain a base level of fitness and understanding by attempting easy grade hiking as training. Invest in a great pair of hiking boots with ankle support and a sturdy sole. Make sure you take layers of clothes so you’re ready for hot or cold changes in the weather. 

What is next for Miles Gray? My next trips coming up are within Australia, where I’ll be skiing, kayaking and hiking whilst staying in some really beautiful hotels. Later in the year, I have another international trip in the pipeline with an international tourism board. Then it will be time to relax over the summer period in Tasmania, it is honestly the best place in the world!    

CREDIT: Miles Gray - Travel Influencer

INSTAGRAM: @milesgray88