[trip style = active & adventure]
{Editor's Note: In case you didn't catch Monday's in-flight announcement, we're changing our flight schedule to Monday, Wednesday and Friday departures. Otherwise, feel free to peruse our newly-minted Tumblr Editor's Ledger.}
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs {The renowned American Naturalist}
Hiking is definitely one of my favorite summer workouts. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you can breathe deeply and clear your mind, while burning some serious calories! And as an added bonus: paying attention to the changing terrain and natural beauty makes your workout fly by. Here are just some of the benefits of this incredible mind-body-soul activity:
1/ Hiking exercises almost every part of your body From head to toe, most muscles are getting a move-on, putting you into full-body workout mode. For additional upper body benefits, try using Nordic walking poles. I recommend the 3-section Adventure Series pole from Urban Poling. The unique handle design engages your core with every push-off. When collapsed, they fit easily into luggage.
2/ Joint-friendly Your hips, back and knees will thank you for doing this lower-impact activity. If you’re a runner, try incorporating a hike at least once a week for cross-training.
3/ Weight loss More muscles used means more calories burned. Cha-ching!
4/ Social Hike with pals, and refrain from pulling a Survivor Man going at it alone. I love hiking with my girlfriends, there's something about the great outdoors that gets great conversations going!
5/ Sightseeing Hiking is an excellent way to get up close and personal with your destination's true colors. Research ahead to match the best trails to your ability, or talk to your hotel's concierge or visitor center when you arrive.
- Hike with a friend or let someone know where you are going {if you are away traveling, tell the hotel concierge}.
- Always head out prepared for changes in weather {if I’m not wearing layers, I make sure I have a long sleeve shirt in my pack}.
- Carry a day pack with water. Personally, I love my Gregory Daypack from Mountain Equipment Co-op. I always have it with me when I hit the trails, and its fold-flat size makes it easy to throw into my luggage.
- Bring some nourishment like a banana or a granola bar, as well as a small first aid kit and cell phone.
{When she’s not training clients or being trained by her dog Zuzu, Leah writes Healthy on the Road, published the first Wednesday of every month.}
More Healthy On the Road Back At It The AM Workout Four Travel Immune Boosters Give The Pool A Chance – A Workout In The Water The 20-min Exercise Itinerary Healthy DIY Plane Snacks Hotel Room Exercises {You can do in your underwear}
[photos taken while hiking in Scottsdale]