If you are searching for a form of exercise that is free, requires no gym membership, and can be performed in your local park, I've got just the thing for you. It is gentle enough on the joints that almost anyone can do it no matter your age, weight, or fitness level. If you own a decent pair of sneakers, you can get out there today and get started. What are you waiting for? Go take a hike!
Similar enough to walking that you probably already know how to do it, hiking gives your body and spirit a few benefits that a simple walk might neglect. A hike usually happens in the woods. Surrounded by green leaves or gorgeous scenery of any kind, your stress level will instantly plummet. Going for a walk around your neighborhood might also be nice, but getting out into the woods is more relaxing and calming for your nervous system. A hike is almost like a mini-vacation. The change of scenery is a great way to refresh your mind and spirit.
In addition, a hike implies a bit of distance. And maybe some change of elevation. A walk around the block is certainly better than nothing, but a hike demands more endurance. And this type of challenge will burn more calories, strengthen more muscles, and give you a bigger sense of accomplishment when you are finished.
Hiking with a friend or partner is an opportunity for a long, in depth conversation. In our busy world of non-stop work, this is a very important treat. How often do you take the time to really connect with another human? To share your deepest feelings? Not just your friend, but also your dog will appreciate a chance to explore and roam. This is a fundamental need of canines (and humans, too) to cover territory. If you have a dog that likes to run away, taking a long hike on a weekly (or possibly more frequent) basis can help resolve this issue. Just ask Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer.
Wherever you live, there are probably numerous parks nearby where you can find interesting places to hike. In Howard County, Maryland, where I live, there are several wonderful hikes which Mr. Balancing Act and I explore weekly. Patapsco State Park system contains many great hiking areas. The McKeldin area has a small waterfall (rapids) and a periphery trail of about 3.5 miles in total with one challenging, steep climb. Centennial Park has a lovely paved pathway of about 2.5 miles around the large lake. If you are looking for something shorter, Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake both have surrounding pathways between 1-2 miles in length which are great for younger children. Bon Secours and the Howard County Nature Conservancy both have hiking trails in their woods. Behind the Savage Mill is another pretty trail along the river and in Oella (near Old Town Ellicott City) is a short (1.5 miles) Trolley Trail through a wooded gorge.
Of all the forms of exercise out there, hiking is one of my very favorites. Although my body is obviously working when I'm climbing a steep hill, I am always happy to be sweating and struggling out there in the woods, rather than slogging away on a treadmill. In fact, I have a lot trouble understanding why those machines even exist. The benefits of getting your exercise outdoors are many. Go take a hike!
hocoblog@@@
Similar enough to walking that you probably already know how to do it, hiking gives your body and spirit a few benefits that a simple walk might neglect. A hike usually happens in the woods. Surrounded by green leaves or gorgeous scenery of any kind, your stress level will instantly plummet. Going for a walk around your neighborhood might also be nice, but getting out into the woods is more relaxing and calming for your nervous system. A hike is almost like a mini-vacation. The change of scenery is a great way to refresh your mind and spirit.
In addition, a hike implies a bit of distance. And maybe some change of elevation. A walk around the block is certainly better than nothing, but a hike demands more endurance. And this type of challenge will burn more calories, strengthen more muscles, and give you a bigger sense of accomplishment when you are finished.
Hiking with a friend or partner is an opportunity for a long, in depth conversation. In our busy world of non-stop work, this is a very important treat. How often do you take the time to really connect with another human? To share your deepest feelings? Not just your friend, but also your dog will appreciate a chance to explore and roam. This is a fundamental need of canines (and humans, too) to cover territory. If you have a dog that likes to run away, taking a long hike on a weekly (or possibly more frequent) basis can help resolve this issue. Just ask Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer.
Wherever you live, there are probably numerous parks nearby where you can find interesting places to hike. In Howard County, Maryland, where I live, there are several wonderful hikes which Mr. Balancing Act and I explore weekly. Patapsco State Park system contains many great hiking areas. The McKeldin area has a small waterfall (rapids) and a periphery trail of about 3.5 miles in total with one challenging, steep climb. Centennial Park has a lovely paved pathway of about 2.5 miles around the large lake. If you are looking for something shorter, Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake both have surrounding pathways between 1-2 miles in length which are great for younger children. Bon Secours and the Howard County Nature Conservancy both have hiking trails in their woods. Behind the Savage Mill is another pretty trail along the river and in Oella (near Old Town Ellicott City) is a short (1.5 miles) Trolley Trail through a wooded gorge.
Of all the forms of exercise out there, hiking is one of my very favorites. Although my body is obviously working when I'm climbing a steep hill, I am always happy to be sweating and struggling out there in the woods, rather than slogging away on a treadmill. In fact, I have a lot trouble understanding why those machines even exist. The benefits of getting your exercise outdoors are many. Go take a hike!
hocoblog@@@
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