Hitting the Trails for Fitness
More and more people found a new love for hiking and nature exploration during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking to get the best health bang for your buck, you might consider using this new hobby as part of your exercise routine.
I recently wrote a two-part series for The Cleveland Outpost on using hiking and trail running as fitness routines. The Cleveland Outpost not only sells great adventure gear on consignment, but they also sell new items, have an online shop, donate to great local conservation efforts, and teach the basics of all kinds of outdoor adventure activities so that adventure is accessible for all!
In part one of the series, you can learn the basics of building a well rounded fitness routine based on your personal goals and health needs. Start from any fitness level!
In part two, I shared a detailed example of different ways to build fitness through different features of one trail - pictures and links included!
Check them out today to prepare for YOUR new trail fitness habit. Don’t forget to stay fueled appropriately for the journey. Below are some local trails that I recommend to get started.
Deer Lick Cave Trail at Brecksville Reservation
Length: 4.2 miles
Features: hills, flats, small stream
Fort Hill Earthworks Trail at Rocky River Reservation
Length: 4.2 miles
Features: stairs, hills, mixed material path
Chapin Forest Trail at Chapin Forest Reservation
Length: 5.7 miles
Features: gravel path, dirt path, hills, rocks, views
Sagamore Creek Loop at Bedford Reservation
Length: 3.6 miles
Features: hills, streams, fallen trees
Happy hiking! If I can help you plan how to fuel your fitness, don’t hesitate to send me a message.
Cheers,
Jess