Is Trail Running Right For You?

There are many fun and interesting places to run. Each runner has their own running goals, preferences, and style. Some need quick convenience and a jog around the neighborhood is ideal. Some prefer to run indoors on a treadmill and some love to run in nature – on trails. Spring - when it's not too hot and not too cold - is a great time to try outdoor forms of running, such as train running.

Trail Running Is...

Trail running is exactly what it sounds like, running on trails. Most often the trails are hiking trails. They can also be shared with mountain bikers and animals. There are many benefits to running on trails. The biggest benefit of course may be the scenery. All across the country there are beautiful trails. Some wind through the woods, over hills and next to rivers. Others give you a beautiful view of the ocean. Whether you enjoy fields, mountains, water scenes or the woods there are trails for you to enjoy.

(Photo credit: GORE-TEX® Products)

Another common benefit of trail running is that it is peaceful. Many trails are in isolated areas and you may not pass another runner while you’re out. This can be a downside too because it presents a potential danger. It’s recommended that you run with personal protection spray and a cell phone. Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’ll be back.

Trails are often much softer than running on cement, asphalt, and a treadmill base. Dirt and small gravel is easy to run on. However, if the trail is rocky then you will have to pay careful attention to your footing. You don’t want to sprain an ankle or fall while you’re running.

Trail Running is Right for You If…

Trail running is ideal for people who enjoy long runs. If you like to get out for a few hours to experience nature then running on your local trails may be an ideal escape. If you enjoy variety on your runs, trail running provides that as well. During inclement weather the trails can become dicey. If you enjoy an adventure and a challenge then trail running may be your cup of tea. During the winter months you may want to strap traction devices to your trail running shoes.

Speaking of trail running shoes, if you’re running on rough trails then you may want to swap your traditional running shoes with shoes that offer more stability and traction. If you’re a barefoot or minimalist runner there are also a few good minimal trail running shoes on the market.

If you enjoy running, consider adding one trail run to your weekly routine. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours. You’ll experience nature and get in shape at the same time - what could be better than that?

Fun Summer Workouts for the Whole Family

These days, after what seemed an endless winter, it finally feels like summer! Summertime is all about feeling the sun on your face and getting some fresh air. But, many people stay inside and miss out on what nature has to offer. Here are some fun ways that you and the family can get out there and get healthy.

Even better than enjoying a summer day is enjoying it with someone else. As parents we try to send the kids outside but may not go out ourselves. But the sun is good for everyone and you can have even more fun outdoors.

Getting Outdoors

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Create a family activity day at least once a week. This is the time when all of the family spends time together sharing a fun activity outdoors. The name of the game is injecting some physical activity into your day.

Let everyone choose a fun activity that they like. Place them on a list. Each time you have an activity day, take one suggestion from the list. But, what activities can you do as a family that will be rewarding physically and mentally?

Here are some fun summer workouts to start with:

* Bicycling – If everyone doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is the perfect time to learn. Bike riding builds up the leg muscles and also your cardiovascular fitness. You can ride and talk about your day. Go to the park and have a leisurely ride, enjoying the summer breezes and blossoms along the way.

* Basketball – All you need for this is a hoop and a ball. Have a family pick-up game after dinner or after work. You can divide into teams and play for points. Even better, play games to see who has to do the most chores that week!

* Hiking – Explore your local area with your family. Even though you are having fun and exploring, you are burning tons of calories on a hike. And, you get to learn about nature. Combine it with a camping trip for a fun weekend getaway the kids will love.

* Swimming – You don’t even have to have your own pool. If there is a neighborhood pool or one at the gym, use it. Doing laps is an easy way to gain muscle tone all over your body while you have fun. Take a water aerobics class as a family. There is no shock to your joints so it benefits both young and old alike.

* Backyard games – One of the often neglected parts of the house is the back yard. Act like a kid again. Play kickball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and many other games that will make you sweat and give you great memories to hold on to.

There are lots of activities that the family can do this summer to gain fitness and have some fun. Start with those above and add to the list with your own fun ideas!

Re-Energize Your Motivation With a Crisp, Autumn Stroll

For most, the season for long summer days and sweltering heat has passed. The days are becoming shorter and the temperatures are dropping. As you wind down from a busy summer you almost instantly have to gear up for the holidays. It can be exhausting!  A crisp, autumn stroll is a great ways to catch your breath and re-energize, and refocus on your health goals.

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Perhaps you live in a part of the country where the summer temperatures were oppressive. You’re looking forward to the cooler breezes that arrive with autumn. You may also be eager to see the beautiful changes in the foliage and the knowledge that soon the holidays will be here.

Now is the perfect time to get back on track with your health goals that were set aside for the warmer months. You’re back to a routine now that school has started back, isn’t it time to get back outdoors and take care of you without waiting for the New Year? You can do that now by enjoying reinvigorating walks in the crisp, autumn breeze.

Take advantage of the new season by making new goals that can have a huge impact on the remainder of your year. Recommit, re-energize and refocus with the following steps:

• Make a decision to spend time outdoors this fall. Get the family together at least once a week to go for a stroll at a local park. You can also look for hiking trails which will enable you to get more of a workout than simply walking. Don’t let excuses get in your way. Make a commitment to spend time exercising out in nature and stick to it.

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• Begin now to set in motion specific habits that can carry you through the holidays. If you start walking now, you can also start being more careful about what you eat. And, even though the holidays are almost here, you can be strong and choose healthy foods for your holiday meals.

• Enjoy your time in nature. Cooler temperatures make it easier to enjoy yourself. Kick up the leaves and listen to them crunch under your feet. Feel the crisp, cool air that can make you feel more alive and energized than you may have felt in a while, and motivate you to keep up with your exercise goals through the end of the year.

• Take a camera along with you to take pictures as you stroll through the park. The scenery in the fall is breathtaking with the leaves turning from green to gold, orange and red. Of course, the weather in the fall is unpredictable so it is best to be prepared.

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, the fall months are the perfect time to get out of it. Not only will you feel refreshed, you can greatly influence the rest of your year. Make the choice to spend as much time outdoors as you can. Find a park to stroll through or hiking paths that will be more challenging. Enjoy your time outdoors and recommit yourself to keeping in shape throughout the holidays.

Outdoor Exercises to Combat Spring Fever

Every year we spend the winter cooped up inside - although this year not as long as usual for many parts of the country. Nonetheless, now that spring is here, we can’t wait to get outside!  Getting outdoors can not only battle spring fever, it can also get you up and moving, and start losing those leftover holiday pounds.  Exercising outdoors can give you a better workout and burn more Exercising (Photo credit: NOAA's National Ocean Service)calories than the machines at the gym, as you tend to work more muscles and get a better overall full-body workout.  As spring approaches, if you want to get outdoors and get in shape, here are some great activities you can do to start getting in shape, while enjoying this beautiful spring weather. 

* Walking.  Not only is walking a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine after being cooped up all winter, it’s also great exercise if you do it right.  For an optimal workout, walk for an hour a day at least three days a week.  You should also alter your pace during the walk, i.e. go as fast as you can for a minute, then a slower pace for a minute, etc. This will get your heart pumping without having to do a hard workout, and studies have shown it will help you lose weight MUCH faster than maintaining a steady pace for the whole time.  If you’re bored of walking around your neighborhood, why not visit a nature park or zoo? You can enjoy the change of scenery and wildlife, while getting a workout in!

* Yoga.  Sure, nowadays yoga is often done in your living room or in a gym, but this art was made to be done in the great outdoors!  So tote your yoga mat to the park or just to the backyard.   This can give you an excellent toning and strengthening workout and calm your nerves at the same time.

* Swimming.  Want to get a fantastic full body workout while your kids are playing?  Then take them down to the community pool.  Many pools have an area for kids to splash and play while the adults swim laps.  Just make sure not to leave any child that doesn’t know how to swim without adult supervision.  And when you’re done with your laps, maybe you can splash and play with your kids too.

Mountain biking in Arizona desert, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)* Volleyball.  This sport doesn’t have to be played inside with a ref; you can play at a sand volleyball court, or just set up a net in your back yard.  Volleyball is a great way to socialize with your friends, or to meet new people by joining a league. And if you have kids, this is a great form of fun exercise for the whole family.

* Biking.  More and more cities and towns are putting in bike paths.  These are a great way to get a workout without risking serious injury by biking on rough terrain.  However, if you’re up for a challenge, there are probably paths through woods, hills, mountains, or some other difficult, but rewarding terrain.  Just be sure to wear proper safety equipment no matter where you’re biking. 

* Hiking.  If you want to get out and go, and you’re up for an adventure, why not take the family and go for a hike?  You can experience nature, get a great workout, get some fresh air, and spend some quality bonding time with your family. 

So what are you waiting for?  Get out of your artificial lighting and into the great outdoors for a workout and a fun time at the same time!