Breathe Magazine

By Amanda Straus and Monica Johnson

Is it just us, or has it been a really long winter? Did the front of your treadmill, even with a juicy gossip magazine or TV in front of you, get kind of monotonous? If your time at the gym has become tedious, or if you’re burned out and making excuses not to go, it’s time to shake things up this spring and take to the trails! Whether you cycle, run, or hike, trails offer plenty of ways to get your heart pumping, your mind refreshed, and your soul reenergized.

get that heart and body pumping

Take your usual indoor treadmill, elliptical or bike workout—add in some uneven ground, logs and rocks, a steep incline, then a few hills, twists and turns, and you’ve created a recipe for more. More calories burned, more coordination, agility and balance, more muscles stimulated and engaged, more core strengthening, more work for your metabolism, and did we mention… more fun? When you cycle, run, walk or hike the trails, your body will enjoy more of the benefits of exercise. Just make sure that you warm up properly and have footwear to support uneven and lateral motions—the one thing we’ll take less of, is injuries.

recharge your brain battery

When you’re out on the trail, you can expect the unexpected; roots may trip you, hills spontaneously appear, and critters can surprise you and require immediate attention. That’s reason number two we love the trails—they require you to be mentally present and focused. When you’re on the treadmill or stationary bike, you can zone out with little focus on what you’re actually doing. In contrast, the unknown of the trail requires you to temporarily disconnect from everything else and be present in the moment, which leaves your mind refreshed as well as your body. Mentally disconnecting from the treadmill of your everyday thoughts can be an energizing part of your workout. Just as meditating challenges you to disconnect from the chattering in your mind, watching out for a root, a rock, or a branch can also place you in the mental “zone” where the rest of the world is simply on the backburner. How refreshing!

reenergize your soul

Since the beginning of time, people have recognized that nature has the ability, both in tangible and intangible ways, to touch our souls. The sunshine provides valuable Vitamin D, the fresh air whips your ponytail and fills your lungs, and the spring buds on the trees give you a sense of joy and possibility. Trails provide you with a safe passage—right through the middle of nature—to stimulate your senses and lift your spirit. On the other hand, the last time the gym stimulated my senses was when the guy on the treadmill next to me apparently forgot to wear deodorant, and the volume of the TV and chattering could not be drowned out by my iPod. We’ll take clean air, sunlight, and nature’s distractions over that any day.

Are you ready to take a mental break, lift your spirit, challenge yourself, or just try something different? Check your city’s Parks & Recreation Department for a list of trails. Then grab a friend and your favorite cycle, run, walk or hiking gear, and hit the trails for a fun and fulfilling workout. It can be hard to change your routine, but the benefits are worth it on three levels, and we’re confident your body, mind, and soul will be revitalized by taking it to the trails! •

Amanda Straus is a freelance writer and owner of The-Next-Step Life Coaching in Charlotte, NC. Monica Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of No Excuses Fitness Training in Charlotte, NC.