Walking is one of the most popular forms of fitness activity. In summertime, walking as the activity of choice increases in popularity because the weather is nicer and the days are longer. The mornings are cool and crisp; the dew is damp on the grass and the sun is warm on the skin.
A low risk activity, walking is also growing in popularity for those who want to engage in regular fitness workouts and there are many proven benefits to regularly, daily walks. Where do you like to go walking? Some popular places for you to explore on your walking trips include:
City Tours
No matter where you grew up, exploring a city is best done on foot. There is architecture, landscaping and different smells within the city to see. Depending on the city, there are often city tours available that will take you out walking and show the city to you. This can help you to learn more about the city while also providing you with company for your city explorations.
Railroad Trails
In Virginia, many of the old railways that fell into disuse were converted into walking and equestrian trails. We went horseback riding on several of them and they were often fantastic places to explore nature and quiet right in the middle of a city. The walking trails vary from paved to smoothed dirt. Either way, it’s a great place to go walking with a dog or a friend or more.
Parks
You can live in an area for a long time and not see all the parks that are available for foot traffic and exploration. One of our favorite activities is to load my daughter’s bike into the car and take both to a park. She gets to ride while we walk and we get to see different parks and explore them.
Walk-A-Thon
If you like walking, sign up to support a cause with every step you take. The distance you choose can be longer than what you are used to right now. Make sure the goal you decide on is attainable by the day of your walk-a-thon. Not only do you get to give your walking a purpose, you increase your own personal benefit from regular walking.
Check Out the Local Colleges
Whether you like walking in parks or nature trails; many local campuses have lots of walking trails and pretty sights to see. In urban areas, there are numerous community colleges – head out to one and go for a stroll. If there is a high school with an open stadium, you might even check out their track field and running course. A few short sprints can help boost up your day.
Circuit Courses
Some cities are really getting into the fitness of walking. They have walking trails with plaques stationed along it that suggest different stretches. This can be a great place to walk and get in some strength and stretch toning.
Explore your city – you can walk in your own neighborhood, at the gym or on the trail as often as you like – but you also have lots of other options and since it’s summer and the days are longer and the weather more pleasant – let your feet do the walking and explore what your community has to offer.
Where do you like to go walking?