Walking is an activity suitable for the whole family. It's not uncommon for older folks and little ones to get involved in the fun. Keep reading to learn more about making the most out of walking as a family activity.
Start Out Small
Your family will probably react more positively to a group exercise plan if you start out small and work your way up to a longer routine. To start out, set a goal that's easy to achieve and forgivable if things don't go as planned. For example, start with a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood, a few times a week. Remember, providing a specific goal increases the likelihood of it becoming a part of your family’s day-to-day routine.
What to Wear
On any hike, it’s crucial to dress appropriately for both the climate and the locale of the area you're visiting. Make sure everyone wears well-fitting hiking shoes or boots that are comfortable as well as durable. In addition, pack a jacket or long-sleeved shirt for everyone, even if the weather is expected to be warm. You never know when conditions might take a turn for the worst.
Keep Things Fun
Aside from the exercise, one of the greatest benefits of hiking with the family is the quality time you get to spend together. Keep everyone in good spirits by coming up with games or activities you can do as a family while you walk. A good example of this might be coming up with a scavenger hunt relating to numerous trees and wildflowers. Honestly, nature trails are full of hands-on opportunities for learning fun.
Take Frequent Breaks
Hiking can take a lot out of you. And, it's a pretty sure bet your kids will let you know when they’re getting tired as well. To remedy this, take rest stops frequently to make sure everyone is full of energy and still have a good time. Don't forget to dole out water and snacks during these breaks, to ensure everyone stays well-fed and hydrated.
Establish a Routine
Establish a scheduled time for your family walks. It doesn't matter if it's a nightly lap around the neighborhood or a once-a-month hike through the trails in your local park. When going on a hike becomes routine, it gives the family something to look forward to and sets up a tradition of making memories that just might carry on for years to come.
Leave No Trace
Teach your kids to respect the environment and their surroundings. Destruction of plant life and other things in nature is needless, not to mention harmful. It also ruins the experience for the next family who decides to take the same route you do.
If your child inadvertently does something that could cause permanent damage, such as digging a hole, offer your help to fix it and teach them the importance of leaving no trace.
Why not talk to your family, to gauge everyone's interest in walking as a fun and healthy activity? Try it once and see what happens. Chances are, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. There really is no better time to "take a hike!"
Before you set off on a walk or hike, consider the surface you'll be walking on. Next time, we'll have some tips for you on this.
Monday 29 July 2019
Friday 26 July 2019
Common issues faced when walking
Whether it’s around the neighborhood, through the woods or down long country trails, walking or hiking is a great way to work out, unwind and explore the world around you. Walking is free, simple and easily evolves into a group activity.
However, as with many other activities, walking does carry with it some risks. Here are a few of the most common ones you may encounter, as well as steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
Blisters
Blisters are among the most common types of injury sustained during longer walks. Friction between your feet and your footgear irritates the skin and eventually causes blisters to form. The best thing you can do to cut down on the formation of blisters is to make sure you have proper hiking shoes or boots that fit well.
Shoes that are too loose cause more rubbing across the skin with each step. Investing in performance or hiking socks, which tend to provide more cushion for your feet, can also keep blisters at bay.
Muscle/Joint Pains
When walking, a trip, fall or even a “bad step” can cause a painful joint injury before you know it. This is especially true when walking through the woods or across rough trails. Even a minor sprain makes nature walk far less enjoyable. A significant injury can even leave you stranded.
The best way to avoid an injury like this is to pay close attention to your surroundings as you walk. Even carefully maintained trails can wash out or become covered with overgrown grass and vines. Avoid this kind of uneven terrain, or tread carefully if you can’t.
Muscle pains can be brought on by the continuous stress a long walk puts on the body. Not only does taking a long walk tire out our legs and feet, the constant use of these muscles and the impact with the ground can also lead to painful inflammation.
To prevent this, take breaks during your walk and get off your feet if possible. There are also a number of stretches you can do beforehand, focusing on the muscles that become overworked during a walk.
Insect Bites
In some areas, such as the deep woods of northern Michigan, insect bites are a nearly unavoidable inconvenience when you hike. If you’re planning a walk in any area where biting or stinging insects are common, be sure to take insect repellent along with you. Also, if you have a known insect allergy, make sure your emergency medication is packed and readily available.
Dehydration
If you’re not adequately hydrated during your walk, dehydration can quickly turn into a life-threatening issue when you ignore the symptoms. Some early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, increased thirst, and fatigue.
A person suffering from severe dehydration may experience an inability to stand or walk due to dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, seizures and even coma. Make sure to bring plenty of water during your trip, as well as a hat and properly ventilated clothing in hotter climates. Children should be closely monitored for symptoms of dehydration because they are more susceptible to its effects.
While walking isn't a particularly dangerous hobby, it isn’t without risk. One of the best things you can do to minimize the risks during a walk is to prepare ahead of time. It's also a good idea to walk with a friend. Any of these or another hiking injury could go from an inconvenience to incapacitating if you wind up alone and away from civilization.
And speaking of not walking alone, next we'll be talking about how to get the family involved in walking.
Monday 22 July 2019
Benefits of walking with others
For many people, walking is both a fun and relaxing way to burn calories and get their heart pumping. Even better, you don’t have to work out alone... unless you want to. The fact is, walking with a group comes with added benefits. Walking groups are more popular than ever before. Here are just a few of the reasons why.
They Keep You Going
When you walk with a group, as opposed to by yourself, you better commit to adhering to an established routine. If it’s just you, it’s easy to cancel your weekly walk or hike and no one will be the wiser. But, when a group of friends is involved, they help to keep you motivated. Once your friends and family become part of your walking routine, they typically provide encouragement when it comes to setting and reaching fitness goals.
They Make Things Fun
Walking or hiking consistently becomes tedious for some people. But, walking with a group brings forward the opportunity for new conversation each time you meet, which keeps things fun and engaging. When you chat, laugh and have a good time while you walk, you’ll generally feel much better once you're back home.
Not only that, but walking with friends, family or new acquaintances builds a stronger relationship between everyone who participates. Friends may also have something interesting to contribute to the group, such as a new hiking route or fresh ideas for healthy snacks on-the-go.
They Make You Feel Better
A walking group provides support and entertainment. In addition, routine interaction with friends can help soothe depression or anxiety. Walking (and exercise in general) is already a therapeutic experience.
When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which cause feelings of happiness and excitement. But, when you walk with a group, you also get to experience positive conversations and interactions which can boost your confidence, mood, and self-esteem.
You Get Quality Time
Going on walks with your friends and family strengthens the bond between one another. It’s hard to be involved in each other’s lives when we’re so distracted with our work, school, and technology. Providing an outlet to freely communicate without distractions is an easy way to catch up with what’s going on in each other’s lives, as well as encouraging more conversation in the future.
These walks don't need to belong and time-consuming, by any means. Even walking for 20 to 30 minutes, two or three times a week, is beneficial. It's healthy for your mind, body, and spirit. If you get your children involved at an early age, they'll be much more inclined to incorporate a walking regimen into their daily routine as they get older.
Whether it’s friends, family or people you've recently met, bringing along company when you go for a walk goes a long way toward making your trip more entertaining and therapeutic. If you currently don’t know anyone who's willing to join you, look into local walking groups either online or at your local gym.
Up next, we'll be talking about a few issues you may face when walking and how to avoid them.
They Keep You Going
When you walk with a group, as opposed to by yourself, you better commit to adhering to an established routine. If it’s just you, it’s easy to cancel your weekly walk or hike and no one will be the wiser. But, when a group of friends is involved, they help to keep you motivated. Once your friends and family become part of your walking routine, they typically provide encouragement when it comes to setting and reaching fitness goals.
They Make Things Fun
Walking or hiking consistently becomes tedious for some people. But, walking with a group brings forward the opportunity for new conversation each time you meet, which keeps things fun and engaging. When you chat, laugh and have a good time while you walk, you’ll generally feel much better once you're back home.
Not only that, but walking with friends, family or new acquaintances builds a stronger relationship between everyone who participates. Friends may also have something interesting to contribute to the group, such as a new hiking route or fresh ideas for healthy snacks on-the-go.
They Make You Feel Better
A walking group provides support and entertainment. In addition, routine interaction with friends can help soothe depression or anxiety. Walking (and exercise in general) is already a therapeutic experience.
When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which cause feelings of happiness and excitement. But, when you walk with a group, you also get to experience positive conversations and interactions which can boost your confidence, mood, and self-esteem.
You Get Quality Time
Going on walks with your friends and family strengthens the bond between one another. It’s hard to be involved in each other’s lives when we’re so distracted with our work, school, and technology. Providing an outlet to freely communicate without distractions is an easy way to catch up with what’s going on in each other’s lives, as well as encouraging more conversation in the future.
These walks don't need to belong and time-consuming, by any means. Even walking for 20 to 30 minutes, two or three times a week, is beneficial. It's healthy for your mind, body, and spirit. If you get your children involved at an early age, they'll be much more inclined to incorporate a walking regimen into their daily routine as they get older.
Whether it’s friends, family or people you've recently met, bringing along company when you go for a walk goes a long way toward making your trip more entertaining and therapeutic. If you currently don’t know anyone who's willing to join you, look into local walking groups either online or at your local gym.
Up next, we'll be talking about a few issues you may face when walking and how to avoid them.
Friday 19 July 2019
Walking Ecourse>>>Five great American hikes
When it comes to hiking, the location sets the tone of the whole experience. Whether it’s through mountains, deserts or forests, exotic trails and breathtaking scenery turn a good hike into an experience that stays with you indefinitely. These five hikes, from across the U.S., all offer adventure for novice hikers and experienced enthusiasts alike.
1. Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a massive 2,659-mile horse and hiking trail, spanning from the Canadian border in northern Washington all the way down to the Mexican border near Campo, California.
Die-hard enthusiasts determined to hike the entire trail end up passing through seven national parks and 25 national forests. Throughout the course of the impressive trail, visitors pass through nearly every kind of terrain the U.S. has to offer, from mammoth redwood forests to expansive desert flats.
2. John Muir Trail
Named to honor author and naturalist John Muir, this long-distance trail starts in iconic Yosemite National Park and winds south along the backbone of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, before ending up at Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park.
Some of the trails can be a bit tricky to navigate, but the 21-mile path offers more than its fair share of views of majestic mountains across the many clear, reflective lakes that dot the region.
If you're in need of a little assistance carrying your supplies or a bit of company on your trip, you can even rent a pack llama from one of the llama ranches catering to hikers in the Sierra Nevada area.
3. Angels Landing
Located in Zion National Park in Utah is a 1,488-foot rock formation appropriately dubbed Angels Landing. With one of the most stunning views in the West, the difficult trek is not for the faint of heart. However, it's worth the trip for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts.
The trail follows the Virgin River and ascends into a zigzag formation called “Walter’s Wiggles.” Due to the steepness and height of the trail, chains are embedded in the rock (for the last half-mile) as an added safety measure.
4. State Highway 185
Highway 185, better known as the Mackinac Island Loop, is the only highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are prohibited. In fact, there isn't a single car on the entire island. Ways of travel on Mackinac Island include hiking, cycling, and horse-drawn carriages, and it’s no wonder why.
There are several scenic hiking and cycling routes leading into densely forested land, as well as beautiful views of Lake Huron surrounding the entire island. With a state park encompassing over 80 percent of the land, Mackinac Island perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty Michigan has to offer.
5. North Kaibab Trail
The only maintained trail descending down the Grand Canyon’s north rim, the North Kaibab Trail is a challenging yet rewarding trail, allowing hikers to experience numerous types of trails and ecosystems.
The trail is well maintained. However, it's fairly difficult right from the start. Less avid hikers might want to check out the gentler trails along the South Rim. But, those who brave the switchbacks cut into half-tunnels in the cliff face will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lush vegetation and rock walls from the bottom of the canyon.
These great trails are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the wealth of scenic locations America has to offer. Check your state’s website for a listing of parks and nature preserves in your area. Or research one of these great American hikes today. There really is no better time to start planning an unforgettable walking adventure.
Next time we'll talk about the benefits of walking with other
1. Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a massive 2,659-mile horse and hiking trail, spanning from the Canadian border in northern Washington all the way down to the Mexican border near Campo, California.
Die-hard enthusiasts determined to hike the entire trail end up passing through seven national parks and 25 national forests. Throughout the course of the impressive trail, visitors pass through nearly every kind of terrain the U.S. has to offer, from mammoth redwood forests to expansive desert flats.
2. John Muir Trail
Named to honor author and naturalist John Muir, this long-distance trail starts in iconic Yosemite National Park and winds south along the backbone of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, before ending up at Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park.
Some of the trails can be a bit tricky to navigate, but the 21-mile path offers more than its fair share of views of majestic mountains across the many clear, reflective lakes that dot the region.
If you're in need of a little assistance carrying your supplies or a bit of company on your trip, you can even rent a pack llama from one of the llama ranches catering to hikers in the Sierra Nevada area.
3. Angels Landing
Located in Zion National Park in Utah is a 1,488-foot rock formation appropriately dubbed Angels Landing. With one of the most stunning views in the West, the difficult trek is not for the faint of heart. However, it's worth the trip for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts.
The trail follows the Virgin River and ascends into a zigzag formation called “Walter’s Wiggles.” Due to the steepness and height of the trail, chains are embedded in the rock (for the last half-mile) as an added safety measure.
4. State Highway 185
Highway 185, better known as the Mackinac Island Loop, is the only highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are prohibited. In fact, there isn't a single car on the entire island. Ways of travel on Mackinac Island include hiking, cycling, and horse-drawn carriages, and it’s no wonder why.
There are several scenic hiking and cycling routes leading into densely forested land, as well as beautiful views of Lake Huron surrounding the entire island. With a state park encompassing over 80 percent of the land, Mackinac Island perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty Michigan has to offer.
5. North Kaibab Trail
The only maintained trail descending down the Grand Canyon’s north rim, the North Kaibab Trail is a challenging yet rewarding trail, allowing hikers to experience numerous types of trails and ecosystems.
The trail is well maintained. However, it's fairly difficult right from the start. Less avid hikers might want to check out the gentler trails along the South Rim. But, those who brave the switchbacks cut into half-tunnels in the cliff face will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lush vegetation and rock walls from the bottom of the canyon.
These great trails are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the wealth of scenic locations America has to offer. Check your state’s website for a listing of parks and nature preserves in your area. Or research one of these great American hikes today. There really is no better time to start planning an unforgettable walking adventure.
Next time we'll talk about the benefits of walking with other
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