The Weekend Outdoors

You see it stretched out before you, a whole 48 hours known as the weekend.  Then you blink and it’s 7:30 on Sunday night and you never got a chance to exercise. What happened? Weekends are a great time to move and burn calories, the key is finding activities you enjoy doing.  One of the best ways to get moving is to get outside. No matter the season there is plenty to do outdoors.

Winter- Let it snow! A great way to get moving on a snowy afternoon is to snowshoe. Snowshoes are put on over your winter boots and help you walk in the snow. They are wider than your boots so they help you stay on top of the snow instead of sinking into it which can really slow you down and make your walk a lot harder. Snowshoeing can be done around your own neighborhood or be incorporated into a weekend away. What better way to tucker yourself out for a night by the fire than a day in your snowshoes.

Spring – Kayak! Kayaking is a great form of movement, it’s also a great way to relax and unwind after a busy week. The first step is to find a placid river or lake near your home. The second step is to find a kayak rental agency. Take a look online, you may be surprised at how many places there are to rent kayaks, paddles and perhaps the most important piece of equipment, the life vest. Some of these agencies also offer introductory classes that will help you feel more confident getting in and out of the boat. Once you’ve pushed off from shore, take time to just cruise and observe the local flora and fauna.

Summer- Hike! A hike does not need to be up the face of a mountain, or even a hill. A hike is a walk through nature. A hike provides the opportunity to walk on an uneven surface. Not only does this engage more of your muscles, but offers your body a refreshing change. It can also be refreshing for your mind. As you move along the trail, check take note of the different leaf patterns of trees which at first glance may appear identical. There is a lot to see on a hike, so take your time and enjoy.

Fall- Walk! The beauty of walking is that it can be done almost anywhere. If fall in your area is warm take a walk near the water, take off your shoes and walk along the shoreline for an extra challenge. If fall in your area means that the leaves are changing, take advantage of Mother Nature’s movie theater by driving to an area with dense foliage and taking a brisk stroll.