Archive for the ‘Walking’ Category

Tips For Walking The West Highland Way

Posted on April 1st, 2011 in Walking | No Comments »

Not too long ago I was fortunate enough to see Dundee born musician songwriter Michael Mara performing live at a modest folk club in Milngavie. For some of those not familiar with the town of Milngavie, it is actually pronounced Mullguy. Milngavie is probably best know as the starting point, or end point, of Scotland’s very first official long distance footpath connecting it to Fort William. This is actually a distance of 96 miles (154km) stretching from here on the northern outskirts of Glasgow, towards the foot of Ben Nevis at Fort William.

My own earlier trip to Milngavie had been Fifteen years previous when I had set off to hike the very first segment that passes via Mugdock Country Park, to the hamlet of Drymen, where just after you have got the selection of not one but two alternatives. Either to stay on the flat or to make path over Conic Hill (358m / 1175ft)and so on towards the Eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond. The Loch Lomond along with the Trossachs National Park happens to be an area of outstanding natural charm which covers much of this Southern segment of the Way. Whilst the path passes Ben Lomond (974m / 3,196ft) several ramblers make a detour to be able to clamber towards the peak of this Munro (a Scottish mountain over three thousand foot in height). Rowardennan with its youth hostel and camping conveniences tends to make a fantastic base to access Ben Lomond.

My plan just to walk the West Highland Way in phases remains unfinished and this was as far as I reached on my personal initial trip. The route nevertheless proceeds on by way of Glen Falloch and so on to Strathfillan.

I’m explaining the path from Milngavie North towards Fort William simply because this is the way the majority of hikers tackle it. There isn’t a rationale why it must not be undertaken another way and lots do that. Various aspects are said to benefit the South to North route. To start with, the Southern sections as discussed above tend to be a lot easier and help to break the walker in, as preparation for the much more tough topography ahead. Conversely fit hikers in some cases like to have the arduous earlier parts out of the way and coast along to Glasgow towards the end. Secondly, there is a theory that you can be a lot more prone to have the breeze at your back whenever you set out from the South. Thirdly for many city residents, there is the sense of leaving behind the metropolitan sprawl behind and heading into the awesome outdoors plus all the activities which might be in front of you.

You will find a small number of choices regarding overnight accommodation along the route of the West Highland Way, like bed and breakfast establishments, bunk houses coupled with hostels at the same time as lightweight tenting. Don’t forget that you’re going to have to carry ones gear therefore acquiring the best gear is seriously critical. Big Agnes currently have 2 really light ranges of tents that you simply probably will want to take into consideration, the Fly Creek plus Big Agnes Seedhouse.

www.west-highland-way.co.uk

Readers who are searching Internet for info about the topic of golf stretching exercise, please check out the URL that was mentioned right in this line.

The Benefits Of A Hiking Vacation.

Posted on March 26th, 2010 in Walking | No Comments »

Walking, hiking or trekking for a short break, vacation or holiday is a great way to discover and appreciate more about the wonderful world in which we live.

It is true travel is fabulous and it certainly broadens the mind without question. And travel on foot can enhance the enjoyment of the scenery, the wildlife and the people you meet.

If you enjoy challenging walks or more easy strolls amid stunning surroundings, then you will already know and love the pure enjoyment it brings. You already know the joy of examining the local wild flowers and or just standing and watching the wildlife.

Each adventure is different, as I have discovered from walking down into the heat of the Grand Canyon to hiking up for a chilly view the mighty Everest.

The benefits of hiking are many and include:

Health benefits – It can reduce the risk of many health problems such as coronary heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, anxiety and stress.

Quality of life benefits – It can improve weight control, stamina, energy, confidence and life expectancy.

Convenience benefits – you can walk to most places at any time; you can also start slowly and build up gently. It is free and you don’t need specialist equipment.

To walk in your own locality is free but if you need or want to visit other places at home or worldwide you need to pay.

So it makes sense to get the best value for money deals that you can.

You will find some great value for money holidays, vacations and short breaks as you search the Internet with your selected keywords and phrases.

Just think you could be walking through the rainforests and jungles of South East Asia, hiking local trails in the Rocky Mountains or somewhere in between.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge you could visit the various world national parks on a walking vacation

And for those of you who prefer a little more independence a self-guided hiking holiday may appeal. For this the Internet is a boon because from the comfort of your own sofa you can fully organise some terrific trips.

The world offers fantastic trekking travel opportunities giving you the chance to explore some of our planet’s most magical corners and stunning landscapes.

People go on short walking breaks and tours to escape the daily grind, challenge their body physically and to make new friends.

Age doesn’t have to limit your activity level, as everything can be tailor made for you. There are breathtaking destinations and activities for every age and ability.

“I’ve found that short walking breaks and walking tours offers some of the best opportunities to experience new cultures, to make new friends and learn more about ourselves,”

Walking, hiking or trekking for a short break, vacation or holiday is a great way to discover and appreciate more about the wonderful world in which we live. It also give us the opportunity to discover ourselves and those who walk with us.

Walking is the Best Exercise

Posted on February 1st, 2010 in Walking | No Comments »

Running, jogging, weight lifting, calisthenics. These are all good for keeping in shape but walking is still the most simple, and effective, of all exercises to lose weight and stay in shape and maintain good health. Approximately 67 million Americans of all ages walk for exercise regularly. Walking can be done with friends or alone. And it can be performed outside or inside. Walking helps the metabolic system to control weight, regulate blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. A brisk walk burns up to 100 calories per mile. Walking is an aerobic exercise meaning that it uses oxygen.

A brisk walk increases oxygen intake to the blood, strengthens the heart, improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. For people with poor circulation in the arms and legs, walking can help to increase the size and improve the efficiency of the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the cells. Walking slows development of all forms of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, stops loss of bone mass in osteoporosis, and tones the muscles. Walking helps recovery from back pain. For women walking reduces premenstrual and pain during periods. Regular walking also relieves and prevents constipation. Psychologically, walking generates an overall feeling of well-being because it produces endorphins, a natural tranquilizer. This aids in relief of depression, anxiety, and stress. To get the most benefit from walking, 30 minutes of walking must be done at a brisk pace without stopping. Gradually increase time to 40 to 60 minutes for each session. Always stretch muscles and warm up before walking.

Wear walking or running shoes that fit snugly but not too tight, support the arch and lift the heel slightly. Replace your walking shoes every 6 months or 600 miles, whichever comes first. In hot, cold and inclement weather consider getting a treadmill for walking indoors.

How Walking for Exercise Helps you Lose Weight

Posted on August 18th, 2009 in Walking | No Comments »

Walking for exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed for the purpose of improving health. It is one of the best and cheapest forms of exercise. If you want to improve your general health and keep fit, or if you want to reduce your weight, walking is a good place to start. Walking keeps you fit and helps you take off extra weight and keep it off. It’s cheap, it’s simple and almost anybody can do it.

Walking has a multitude of health benefits for everyone. Walking helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, lowers high blood pressure, helps reduce weight and body fat, helps reduce risk of some cancers, gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, helps you look better and helps those people who are recovering from a period of ill-health. Walking for exercise does not need to be strenuous to produce results. Even walking for 30 minutes a day has been reported to produce measurable benefits, even among those who are least active. If you want to feel great, have more energy and improve your overall health, take a walk.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and you can do it almost anywhere, anytime, and for free. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week. The idea is to use up more calories than you eat. You need to use up the day’s calories and some of the calories stored in your body fat. Along with its benefits to the heart, walking improves circulation, helps breathing, combats depression, bolsters the immune system, helps prevent osteoporosis, helps control weight and helps prevent and control diabetes. It’s a gentle exercise and it’s suitable if you are recovering from heart trouble, a stroke or other illness. It helps the total circulation of blood throughout the body, and thus has a direct effect on your overall feeling of health.

Remember, if you have a medical condition, are overweight, over 40 years of age or haven’t exercised regularly for a long time, check with your doctor before you start any type of exercise program. Your doctor or other health worker can help you set sensible goals based on a proper weight for your height, build and age.

The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Walk Everyday

Posted on August 17th, 2009 in Walking | No Comments »

1. Walking everyday promotes weight loss. If you move at a fairly brisk pace you can burn between 240 and 440 calories per hour of walking. This can translate into approximately one pound of weight loss per week or 52 pounds per year.

2. Walking everyday will increase your energy level. Energy comes from energy. That’s why the more you move, the more you feel like moving.

3. Walking everyday will support you in feeling good about yourself. There is an incredible sense of accomplishment that accompanies doing something that’s good for you.

4. Walking everyday will improve your ability to cope with stress. It will help you relax and better manage the unexpected twists and turns of everyday life.

5. Walking everyday will improve your appearance. A regular walking routine will help you to lengthen and tone your muscles. This will make you appear slimmer.

6. Walking everyday will increase your overall sense of well-being. Regular physical activity will increase the release of the hormones that make you feel happier and emotionally balanced.

7. Walking everyday will increase your mental acuity. Research has shown that people who walk on daily basis think more clearly are better able to focus and concentrate.

8. Walking everyday will help you become physically fit. It will improve your stamina and strengthen your muscles.

9. Walking everyday will help you stay active. The more time you spend walking the less time you will have to devote to sedentary activities like watching television and mildewing on the couch.

10. Walking everyday will help you stay healthy. It increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs. It also reduces your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and your risk of major illnesses such as heart attacks, diabetes and strokes.