Get Lost, Take A Hike

One of my favorite ways to get some exercise outside of a gym is through hiking.  And, it just so happens, Washington has some incredible places to hike!  I was hoping to make one more hiking trip before fall officially set in but I had to face reality that our gear desperately need some updating before we go on any more serious hiking adventures..  Since it is such a great way to stay in shape though, let me share a hike I went on over the summer.  Hiking is a great workout for the entire body and is a great way to clear your mind.  If ever in the Northwest, Crescent Lake is beautifullll.  Not only does this place make you feel as if you just walked into a painting, it also has some great places to hike for all skill levels.  The hike we did here over this past summer was up pyramid mountain on a shorter trail known as the Pyramid Peak Trail.  This is a good hike for the less experienced, although be aware it does continuously incline so your legs will feel this hike!

Not Just For The Body

With technology all around, sometimes we forget the pure beauty of nature and how incredibly amazing this planet is we inhabit.  We take it for granted and life can seem hectic and dull.  If you feel this happening, get away from the nonstop rush, get lost & go for a hike! Im not joking.  Nature has an amazing ability to clear and reenergize the mind.  Breath in the fresh air, take some time to reflect & also just focus on being fully present. Think about how incredible it is that this planet even exists being that the universe in itself is said to be so unstable.  Somehow though everything aligns just right and this crazy journey we call life is possible.

Trees and plants grow all around us to give us the oxygen needed to survive, the land itself allows for nutrients and food to thrive, and without the immense amount of water on this planet we would be in serious trouble!  And this is just breaching the surface, there is so much to be grateful for.  By immersing yourself in nature on a hike you can remind yourself of the beauty on this planet & how much of a blessing it is to even exist here at all.  Not only this, hiking forces the mind to stay present with constantly changing new scenery and shifting terrain which forces you to stay aware of every step along the way.  People are constantly caught up in thoughts of the past or plans for the future, that sometimes we forget to enjoy the journey, to enjoy the present moment as is.  

 
That Burn...

You really don't realize how much of a workout hiking is until half way through a hike and you literally feel the burn in your thighs and glutes.  Is the stair stepper at the gym getting a bit repetitive?  If so, take your stair stepping to the mountains! ;)  Even though Pyramid Peak is an easier hike, your legs are still going to feel this mountain stair stepper effect.  Hiking various terrains brings variety and ever changing scenery that a gym can't offer.  In the northwest during spring (and fall for that matter), the views and the colors around are unbelievable.  If you are in the area, take advantage and go for a hike.  Whether with a group or with a friend, hiking is a great way to stay active.  Mountain terrain challenges each and every leg muscle while also promoting healthy bone alignment, a stable base for the spine, and muscle tone.  Not to mention by the end of a hike, it's likely you will create a serious cardio workout.  Be sure to keep your weight evenly distributed as you walk and engage every step with the ground to really activate your muscles.  Many hiking apps and websites will not only give a rundown of hikes in your area but also give an accurate measure of the distance you'll be covering and some will even provide a rough estimate of the amount of stairs you'll have climbed by the end of the hike.  Two of my favorites include the website called AllTrails and an app called MapMyHike.  After a good hike my mind  always feels refreshed and the feeling of accomplishing a difficult terrain is always rewarding.  Check this view out! 

For those who haven't done much hiking I recommend starting with an easier trail before trying any advanced trail with more extreme terrain.  Know your body and what you are capable of and always be prepared.  Either way, the body will get a serious workout in a fun environment and another great thing about hiking, most trails are free! :)

A Few Things To Remember:

Bring water. Its crucial to stay hydrated, especially on a hike, otherwise its likely you'll be doing the body more harm than good depriving your poor hard working cells of the water they direly need.  So don't forget it and drink up!

Invest in shoes with good traction!  If terrain gets rough you don't want to be sliding around... especially on the side of a cliff or in slippery conditions.

Watch Your Footwork. When hiking, stay present and fully aware of your feet.  Trails may have large tree roots you must watch out for and step over, loose rock or muddy conditions. 

Bring snacks.  If you are interested in taking a longer hike, you are going to need to refuel to keep the body strong.  Protein bars, trail mix, or fruit are great options being nutrient dense and easy to carry. 

Do your research.  Make sure you know what type of hike you are getting yourself into, know what wildlife is around, and check to make sure the weather is optimal.   Above all be smart and be safe.  

The full body workout from the hike, along with the dose of vitamin D intake from the warm summer sunshine made for a memorable and rewarding day.  And why not a picnic on top of a mountain?  Perfect way to fuel up again for the hike back down, and a rest period to enjoy the view.  It really puts life into perspective when you look out at a vast landscape and realize how small you are.  Angel our dog, loves being active, making her perfect for hiking.  As usual, I think she enjoyed herself..

Our other dog... he's more of a sit back and chill out type of guy, but we decided to give him a little bit of exercise too.  He moved slower, but with the help of a few rest stops in between, he conquered that hike like a champ. 

 No matter your location, there are always new trails to explore.  Be sure to check back for future posts where I'll share some more of my favorite hikes.  And remember, you don't have to go to a gym to get a great workout!

Much love,

Bri