Hiking Trails That are Fun and Will Keep Your Heart Pumping

GET YOUR HEART PUMPING

I’m not a licensed or experienced health expert. I want you to know what worked for me and the small things that can help you get on a healthy track without feeling like a workout. I will elaborate on this further in the blog. It’s time to come out of couch hibernation and get out and smell some fresh air.

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With February coming to a close, I’m ready to embark on a new month of health and better habits. During the winter months, we tend to stay indoors and eat. Then, when the ice thaws and the weather gets warmer, we wonder where all the extra weight came from.

Our bodies feel heavier, we’ve become a little sluggish, and we don’t know where to start getting back on track. I’ve been up and down with my weight for the last two years due to my work schedule and making time to be a wife and mom. I’m also not a big fan of the gym.

My gym experience began with walking through the door, my glasses fogging up from the heat of people working out. Then you can go to the gym to find a free machine. Oh great, it’s one right in between two people working out. They’re in shape and running on the treadmill as if they’re training for a marathon. Or, maybe it’s me wondering about the guy behind me watching me while I’m on the elliptical, and he’s shaking his head and thinking, “This is what she calls working out.”

I can go on with many scenarios. Hey, some people love the gym. There are great Zumba classes. Some people prefer to train and lift weights to gain more muscle. Some get personal trainers. I see more money being spent, and I’m not going to the gym. I prefer being outdoors and enjoying the scenery. I feel relaxed, and it’s a great stress reliever.

I lost weight by walking 4-5 times weekly for 90 minutes to 2 hours. I lost a total of 60 lbs. and felt great. I felt lighter. I couldn’t squeeze into my jeans. I was able to put them on with confidence and felt good about it. The longest I hiked was for 3 hours. You’ve likely heard that 30 minutes of exercise a day is beneficial for the heart, but if you want to lose weight, build stamina, or reduce stress, I suggest 1 hour or more. I’m a lover of nature, and getting outdoors is an excellent form of exercise. 

With the rise of social media and everything being on our phones or tablets, we don’t get out enough, and the lack of physical activity can lead to heart disease or other illnesses. Going outdoors is free, and no membership is required! I’m ready to get back to being healthy and feel great again.

Need help figuring out where to start? Open your front door and walk around your neighborhood. Wear comfortable shoes and be cautious of any sidewalk cracks to avoid tripping. I’ve had my share of almost falling or twisting an ankle. If you’re like me and don’t have sidewalks, consider visiting your local park. If you think walking is safe, wear a proper reflective jacket so that oncoming traffic can see you, and avoid walking at night. Next, start at your own pace.

Go walking alone or ask a friend or family member to join you. I prefer going alone sometimes and listening to music. I want to instill good habits at home and show my children that they can grow up to do the same things. 

After dinner, take the family on a nice walk. Catch up with what’s going on with everyone. This is great family time and a break from TV and social media. Walking in nature, inhaling the fresh air, and taking in the beautiful scenery of trees swaying and birds chirping can immediately reduce stress levels. Sometimes, we need a change of scenery to clear our minds of negative thoughts and incorporate more physical activity into our daily routine.

Get a basic pedometer to track your steps and monitor your walking routine. You don’t have to buy one of those expensive watches. Try setting a goal for yourself. Each day, push yourself to do more than you did the day before. Staying consistent will give you results.

TIPS FOR WALKING TO BETTER HEALTH

• Wear comfortable shoes and thick cotton socks to prevent blisters.
• Hiking: Wear proper hiking boots for uneven terrain and rocks to support your ankles
• Go at your own pace.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Go alone or bring a friend (if going alone, make sure someone knows in case of an emergency)
• Wear sunscreen and bring insect repellent.
• Bring water to drink before and after.
• If you plan a long hike, bring a small backpack with a first aid kit, let someone know your location, and ensure your phone is charged in case of an emergency.
• Relax and think positive thoughts.

 

• Reduce the risk of cancer and chronic disease
• Good for your heart
• Improve your Mood
• Less stress on your joints
• Improve endurance
• FREE, no membership required

PLACES TO GO WALKING

I’m looking forward to visiting many trails this year. Besides my daily park walks, I plan to go on Sunday hikes and cross a few places off my bucket list. Many of these walks are surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, historic sites, and beautiful overlooks. So, while you’re out moving, you will also be in store for some great sights. Get out and get healthy by taking a new adventure walk.

If you can’t get to the destinations I’ve listed, start by walking in your neighborhood. Walk around your block a few times. Take the dog for a walk and stay out for a little longer. It can benefit you, and your dog will love the extra time out. If you can venture further out, visit your local parks and reservations to check which state parks or Hiking Trails are near you. Look for a walking club (Meetup.com has several groups) and consider inviting your family or friends to join you. Or get out alone and enjoy some solitude. Before visiting the following trails, check the times and weather online. Be respectful to other walkers and keep the trails clean.

Be safe and enjoy!

NEW JERSEY

• Stairway to Heaven, Vernon, NJ
• Buttermilk Falls, Somerset County
• Stephens State Park
• Schooley’s Mountain Park
• Allamuchy State Park, Sussex Branch Trailhead
• Dickerson Mine Preserve
• Deserted Village
• Hemlock Falls, Maplewood, NJ
• Hacklebarney State Park, Long Valley, NJ Hiking Trails & Waterfalls to Explore
• Watchung Reservation/ Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside, NJ
• Pyramid Mountain, Boonton, NJ
• High Point State Park, Sussex County, NJ
• Duke Farms (not a farm), Hillsborough Township, NJ
• Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ
• Berkshire Valley Trail, Morris County, NJ
• Roxbury Township
• https://d1wc0xwfo04ccn.cloudfront.net/roxbury/assets/doc_mgr/4301491.pdf?ts=20200319122655

 

NEW YORK

• Turkey Mountain Trail, Yorktown, NY
• Buttermilk State Park, Tompkins County, NY
• Watkins Glen State Park, Schuyler County, NY
• Overlook Mountain, Woodstock, NY
• Mount Marcy, Lake Placid, NY
• Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Fort Anne, NY
• Rim and Gorge Trail, Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, NY
• Kaaterskill Falls Trail, Elka Park, NY
• Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls, Cragsmoor, NY
• Bear Mountain Trail, Stony Point, NY

PENNSYLVANIA

• Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, PA
• Dingmans Falls,  Delaware Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania
• Crescent Lake, Tannersville, PA
• Delaware State Forest, Swiftwater, PA
• Bushkill Falls, Bushkill, PA
• Doylestown Bike and Hiking Trails, 
• Promised Land State Park, Greentown, PA