| Getting in shape and enjoying every minute! | | | | * Walkers have less incidence of heart disease, stroke |
| With the new year, so many of us have decided to | | | | and diabetes |
| get in shape, to improve our health or to just start | | | | * You will lose those extra pounds and keep it off |
| taking care of ourselves better. There is no better | | | | * It fights the aging process and it is free! |
| way than to get outside and walk. So many benefits | | | | Hiking can be an easy walk through your area park to |
| are to be had by walking and enjoying our beautiful | | | | start with so you can gain physical strength and drop |
| nature. | | | | extra pounds you found during the holidays. As you |
| Hiking would be a great way to get that walking | | | | continue your outdoor experiences you will find |
| exercise in and enjoy every minute of your workout. | | | | yourself looking for bigger and better trails to keep the |
| There is always something to see, be it a beautiful | | | | excitement and enjoyment going, all the while your |
| wildflower or a flowing stream with sparkling sunshine | | | | body and mind is healing and getting in shape. I know I |
| making it appear magical. The fresh air fills your lungs | | | | really hate walking the treadmill because when I walk I |
| and clears your mind, enabling you to take a look at | | | | like to get somewhere and enjoy the sites on my way! |
| your life from different perspectives and start the | | | | Whether you live in the country or the city, there are |
| healing from within. It is a good thing when you can get | | | | usually places you can walk that would do nicely for |
| away from your everyday life and enjoy what nature | | | | such an activity. You would be surprised what is |
| has to offer. It clears the mind and puts so many things | | | | around that next corner! Check your local maps and |
| into perspective, making you wonder why you | | | | contact your area parks office to see just what is |
| stressed over them in the first place. | | | | available. It might not be what you are looking for but it |
| First, be sure you check with your doctor before | | | | will start the exercise you will need and get you on the |
| starting any exercise regimen because you want to | | | | road to better health. Who knows, you just might enjoy |
| be safe. Doctors often recommend walking in any | | | | your new found hobby and plan your vacations to that |
| exercise program because there are so many | | | | perfect outdoor experience. As long as you get out |
| benefits from physical to mental and everything in | | | | and walk around, enjoying your surroundings, this is |
| between. | | | | exercise and it is hiking. |
| Here are some benefits you will gain from hiking: | | | | First, be sure you check with your doctor before |
| * It strengthens your heart and helps reduce | | | | starting any exercise regimen because you want to |
| cholesterol | | | | be safe. Doctors often recommend walking in any |
| * It gets the blood flowing which will increase your | | | | exercise program because there are so many |
| energy level | | | | benefits from physical to mental and everything in |
| * It reduces your stress level | | | | between. |