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Take a Hike



It's March and we are finally seeing a few hints of spring. Flowers popping up through the earth dressed in their beautiful bright colors. Tree limbs which have been brown and barren and putting on tiny buds of green. The sounds of birds singing fills the warming air. It just makes me want to stay outside.

One of my favorite hobbies is hiking (especially now that we live near mountains). I've always liked walking. It's good exercise to get your body in shape and get your heart rate up but it's also so good for your mind. I love just being outside walking, looking around at nature, clearing my head of any stress, or just thinking through something.

Walking for exercise is good for every BODY. Everyone can benefit from 30 minutes of walking each day. Exercise doesn't have to be hard to be effective. Walking at an incline can be as effective at burning calories as running, and a lot less pounding on the joints and back. You don't need any equipment other than a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes. You can walk anywhere! Walk around your house or yard for 30 minutes. Want climate controlled? Go to the mall and walk while you window shop. Go to a local park or my favorite...find a new trail and take the path less chosen.

Here's some websites that can help you find a new trail to try:

American Heart Association  find a walking path

Trail Link by Rails to Trails Conservancy

All Trails by National Geographic

Also, if your tech-y like that, why not try a walking app. If you have a smart phone or ipod you can download many free walking apps that will track your walk with GPS technology to tell you exactly how far you walked, how long you walked, pace, speed, and even estimated calories burned.

Map My Walk

RunKeeper

WalkMeter by Abvio


Okay, so lace up those shoes and take a hike!  This post does not contain any affiliate links. I was not paid to advertise for any service, product or company.

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