I have lost some toning and conditioning since working out at home. I was so happy then when Empower was added to the barre class schedule. I quickly learned, though, that it would not make much more of a difference. Because I live on the 3rd floor, I can’t fully do the exercises the way they were intended: no running, no jumping, no cardio burst.
Then I was so glad when they added Reform to the barre class schedule. Paper plates turned out to make great sliders, but without ankle weights, I was missing much of the resistance from this resistance training. I have ordered a set, but since they are not expected to get here until next month, they are not my favorite fitness product for this month. That would be my hiking boots.
Other people in the same condition as I am decided to start a hiking club in my apartment community, which has access to hiking trails. So I bought a pair of hiking boots, which arrived just in time for the return of no social gatherings here in L.A. Nevertheless, these boots are my favorite fitness product this month because physical activity has been lacking as a result of this quarantine and these boots symbolize a return of that…even if I don’t know when.
Now if you are thinking that hiking boots are unnecessary, I would tend to agree. I was going to just settle for a pair of trail runners until I saw that the boots were a little less expensive than the trail runners I was considering. As a novice hiker, I figured I would probably benefit more from wearing boots. (See infographic pictured right.)
The Benefits of Hiking
According to shape.com, hiking:
- Is excellent cardio
- Strengthens hamstrings & sculpts the legs
- Firms the core
- Provides views that are good for mental health
- Provides a good bonding experience with your hiking buddies
I once tried to hike the Hollywood Sign trail when I was teenager. I had no idea what I was in for! I was not prepared so needless to say, I didn’t make it. But now I am, and I cannot wait to try again.
If you have ever hiked to the Hollywood Sign, please leave me some tips and advice in the comments below. I would really appreciate it.
Until next time, Happy Trails! 🥾🥾
I used to go camping all the time before my child was born. It was in New York State with mountains & cliffs. Its great exercise!
I am sure it was! Hiking is strenuous to say the least. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Yes, I love hiking! 🙌 And if you’re serious about it, good shoes are a must! I’m really into backpacking and 10+ Mike days with weight so it makes all the difference!
Yes, I figured I had better invest in some sort of quality footwear. Thanks! 😊