Table of Contents
Hike The Trail
There’s no better way to get your cardio in than going for a hike. But why not make that hike fun? If I want to take a day off from the gym or just change things up a bit, I look right in my own backyard! My thought… why not hike the trail!? That will give me a change of pace that I am looking for.
Even though I like to travel, I do like to find things to do that I can find right here in my own backyard. One place that is particularly popular with locals is Stone Mountain. There is a wide array of things to do here that will allow you to get exercise in as well as have some fun at the same time.Â
Now, I know that there are plenty of you that visit my blog that do not live in or near Atlanta. But, I am quite sure there are places near you that you can visit and get the same health benefits as I do by going to Stone Mountain. You don’t have to rock climb or climb a mountain to get the aerobic benefits.
What are the benefits of aerobics? According to oregon.providence.org Aerobics have the following benefits:
- Increases the efficiency of respiration
- Improves blood volume, distribution, and delivery to muscles
- Improves cardiovascular efficiency
- Increases the stroke volume, or the amount of blood pumped from the ventricle during each contraction of the heart
- Increases cardiac output, or the volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute
- Decreases resting heart rate
- Improves the condition and efficiency of breathing muscles
- Improves the efficiency of movement
- Improves the body’s ability to use fat as an energy source
- Improves body composition by decreasing body fat
- Strengthens muscles
- Strengthens ligaments, tendons and bones
- Helps decrease the risk of developing coronary artery disease, cancer and diabetes
- Helps decrease anxiety and stress
- Helps you feel better overall
But, you don’t have to go hiking or running to get the benefits. If you don’t live near mountains, but you live near the beach, go for a stroll in the sand. That is a work out in and of itself. No beach? Then find a local park and go for a long walk there or even ride your bike. There are so many different things to do. Just find a good place to hike the trail.
I like Stone Mountain because it is close to me and there are so many activities to do year round. In the summer, I have taken my family there to climb the mountain. It’s not really climbing as in using ropes and climbing gear, but it is a walk up and back on trail that is about 2 miles long. And it is definitely not for the faint of heart! You need to be sure to have some good shoes that support your feet and help with the impact from the hike.
I remember the first time we ever went for that hike. Whew! I was not prepared for that. You would have laughed if you had seen me. I thought I was in shape. Keyword being “thought”. This hike will make you think twice about that but it is great for that cardio day… just don’t have a leg day the day before you go! When they said hike the trail they were not kidding!
More than just hiking
In addition to hiking, my family and I have enjoyed many other activities. Since we don’t get much snow here in Atlanta, Snow Mountain fills that bill. I think I had the most fun tubing on the slopes! It is best to get your tickets early because there are times when they sell out… especially during the Christmas season.Â
Besides Snow Mountain, there are many other things to do. One word of caution, many of the attractions are closed in the winter (which is another reason Snow Mountain is so popular during the winter time). In the Spring and Summer, my family loves to go and visit the shops as well as take a ride on the train. Not only that, but there are many other things to do at the Park as well.
Another thing that is a lot of fun is the SkyHike. This is a trek through tree-tops. Even if you are afraid of heights, this is still fun. There are all kinds of safety systems in place so you don’t have to worry about falling. And the best thing is that no two times on your SkyHike is the same. They have 3 different levels, so you can choose what fits your “adventuresome” spirit the best.Â
A great way to end the day!
A great way to end the day, is to find a spot on the lawn and watch the firework show! The show lasts about 45 minutes to an hour but I would suggest finding your spot early. Of course, there are no bad seats. So sit back and enjoy the show!
Final Words
“Hike the trail” can be how you define it. Now that I have shared one of the ways I switch up my cardio while enjoying some family time and time outdoors. I would love to hear from you on things that you do to change up what can be a boring routine.
What is your “hike the trail”? Please feel free to leave a comment or suggestion and click on the Social Media links below to share this with your friends!
I love hiking as well! Lots of great places around Atlanta and Stone Mountain has some great hikes including the big one up the mountain!
Stone Mountain does give a great cardio push!
This article perfectly captures the numerous benefits of walking/hiking. My wife and I have currently added a 3 mile walk to our workout routine. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labor.
That’s awesome! Keep up the great work. Never give up. Baby steps lead to a healthy life!
Sounds like a great place to visit.