Fitness & Wellness Archives - Page 10 of 10

Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes

Most recently updated September 30th, 2022

Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors – in fact, it’s healthier for you to take breaks and get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine!

Being stuck indoors by yourself – or with your kids – with no end in sight could make you nuts.

Paved trail beside Big Lake in Umstead State Park

Getting out on the trail on your own, or with 10 or fewer members of your family or friends, could help bring you back from Crazy Town.

If you’re a hiker local to Cary or Raleigh, NC, you know the nearby hiking places, and have been on the trails.

They’re beautiful, have varied terrain and are easily accessible.

Continue reading Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes

Easy Guidelines for Hiking to Lose Weight!

Most recently updated January 9th, 2023

So, you’ve been getting into hiking lately, and really love it. You are energized, and less stressed than you’ve been in a while.

You also think you could burn calories hiking and hike to lose weight – and that’s absolutely true!

The question is, do you need to train like you’re going to climb Mount Everest to make it happen?

Probably not.

But wouldn’t you want to be fit enough to hike Everest if you got the chance?

My goal is to always stay fit enough to do anything – whether it’s an afternoon playing disc golf or a week hiking the Inca Trail – with just a little bit of extra training if I need it.
Continue reading Easy Guidelines for Hiking to Lose Weight!

Post Library

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

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Click on the headings below to browse posts in I’d Rather Walk’s top categories:

Fitness & WellneSS

Info to help you get fit, eat a healthy diet, and promote wellness in your life.

ASTHMA HEALTH

This page includes posts with helpful information for active asthmatics.

GEAR Info and TIPS

Info on how to use and where to find the best gear for your day hikes, thru hikes, camping trips and other outdoor sports.

If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed items or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection – take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

GENERAL HIKING INFO

Hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.

HIKING DESTINATIONS

Hiking destinations in the USA, Internationally, and local trails close to home.

See my Travel Resource and Adventure Travel pages for more destinations and trip planning tips and deals.

OUTDOORS WITH KIDS

Helpful tips and info for outdoor activities for kids, plus kid-friendly destinations for families and children of all ages.

All Posts

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How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan

Most recently updated March 21st, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

These days, it’s more important than ever to maintain good health and fitness, no matter what your age.

But you’re busy, and can’t possibly squeeze in time for fitness training around your demanding job, family and household duties. I get it.

Inundated with things that we have to do, it’s easy to put off optional activities – including taking better care of ourselves physically.

But if you (like me and many other older adults) want to enjoy bucket list adventures that include active travel and hiking in remote places, it’s time to start training!

Each year, starting January, I do an 8-week hike training program to get ready for upcoming Spring hikes – and beyond!

It’s really to get fit for outdoor adventures in any month after weeks of Winter hibernating and celebrating 🙂

Read on to learn how you can personalize your training, with our without my 8 week plan, to help you get ready for adventure at any age!

Continue reading How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan

Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Everyone should do some research before trying a new physical activity – and prepping for a hike is no different.

For asthmatics, failing to prepare properly for a hike can have results ranging from mildly unpleasant to catastrophic.

Be prepared, but don’t be so nervous that you don’t go out at all – walking is a natural exercise for us.

Most of us have been doing it since we were very young.

That said, in all of my posts I’m only speaking from my own experiences dealing with lifelong chronic severe asthma, including exercise induced asthma.

I’ve come up with methods, including modifying my diet and taking vitamins, that enable me to be very physically active in spite of it – maybe they will work for you, too. Continue reading Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success

Why Hiking is the Best Exercise for Non-Conformists and Introverts

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Hiking is exercise, but its also much more than that – it’s a great way for introverts to do something with people with out really having to interact too much.

Hiking is really a multi-tasking activity: you can burn calories, work on your fitness, hike for weight loss, get green exercise, and all of the health benefits of spending time in the sunshine.

Hiking is not like belonging to a sports league or a doing a sport like tennis where you really can’t play on your own.

You can do it whenever and where ever suits your personal interests and schedule.

And you only have to hike with a group if you really want to. And especially fun for non-conformists, you don’t ever have to wear a uniform.

There are hikers of all ages, sexes, nationalities, fitness levels and personalities – and they may all show up for the same group hike!

Sometimes hiking on your own can be very peaceful.

Solo hiking (hiking on your own) might be the best option for you – for a number of reasons.

Both solo hiking and group hiking come with their own set of challenges and benefits, so it really comes down to what works the best for you.

Continue reading Why Hiking is the Best Exercise for Non-Conformists and Introverts

Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 4.3 minutes

When I first began hiking as a hobby, I was working at a fulltime tech job, was a single mom of a toddler with few babysitters available, and my closest family was 1500 miles away.

Of necessity, most of my activities (outside of work) included the company of my Mini-Me, and hiking was no exception.

Hiking at Hanging Rock State Park with Peanut!

My daughter loved the adventure, seeing new things, and being an intrepid explorer with her Mama!

We explored local parks and greenways, both on foot and on bikes and rollerblades.

Then, when she was old enough, we were able to visit a lot of State Parks, and go on longer unpaved trails with more varied terrain.

Continue reading Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own

Welcome to I’d Rather Walk!

Most recently updated December 31st, 2021

Greeting a new friend on Reedy Creek greenway

Hey, I’m LJ –

Thanks for joining me!

Originally from Minnesota, I’ve made my home in North Carolina since 1996.

As a single mom, I started hiking in this area with my daughter when she was small, and have been leading local group hikes since 2009.

Through the years – in between work and school schedules – we spent as much time as we could hiking across the US and around the world.

In my posts, I share my adventures hiking in exotic far-off locations, and also tell you about unique places you could visit just down the street.

Hiking the rocks at historic Yates Mill.

I’ also share tips on good places to hike or just get outdoors with your kids in the Cary/Raleigh area and beyond.

FYI, I only write about places or experiences I’ve actually checked out myself, so you know it’s good information. (I also try to keep the info up to date if things have changed.)

My goal is to inspire you to try some outdoor adventures of your own – both with and without your children in tow.

No matter what your age (or theirs) the best time to start is right now!

Continue reading Welcome to I’d Rather Walk!