Fitness Friday: Take a Hike – The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans LLC

0

It’s Spring. Can I get a HECK YES?! [raises roof]

Time to get outdoors. Hit the trail. Get some fresh air. Eat some trail mix. Be one with the wilderness (okay, I got a little carried away).

Yep – it’s hiking season!

If you’ve never been much of a hiker, I’ve got to tell you, it’s some fabulous exercise. Cardio, leg work – it’s all there. Plus…it’s free.  And finding a trail is as simple as plugging some info into your computer.  A few sites I’ve found very helpful:

  • GORP.com
  • Trails.com
  • Localhikes.com

So you’ve got a trail…now what? A few tips before you get going:

  • Plan, plan, plan. Instead of tossing a bunch of things into a pack at the last minute, think about what you’ll need on a particular hike.
  • Don’t forget water! If you’re hiking for three hours or less, you can probably carry all the water you’ll need. Longer? Make sure there’s a source to replenish your water stash along the trail.
  • Pack carbs. Most of us have more than enough fat on us to draw from – but we generally don’t have enough carbs in our system to fuel a day of hiking. Reach for healthy carbs like fruit (fresh or dried), energy bars or trail mix.
  • Wear the right shoes. Like any sport, hiking calls for proper, supportive footwear. Go fo hiking boots or trail shoes – and don’t forget good hiking socks to keep your feet dry and blister free!
  • Layer. Wear several layers to remove or add, and aim for wicking fabrics to stay dry.
  • Finally, safety first. Here’s a quick checklist of items to take on any hike: a small first aid kid, a thermal blanket, trail map, your cell phone, and a compass (or a GPS if you have one).  Always check in with the ranger station, if there is one, when you arrive. Finally, always tell someone where you’re going and when you should be back.

Do you have a favorite place to hike? What’s the best place you’ve ever journeyed on foot? Tell all in the comments.