Walking Outdoors Is Not Just For Your Body
Hiking is a wonderful low impact activity that burns a ton of calories and is good for our lower body, heart, and lungs. There’s nothing like fresh mountain air and beautiful terrain.
Research indicates that hiking outdoors is not just good for our physical body, but it is also a great way to keep our minds sharp, boost our mood, increase our energy and strengthen relationships.
Daniel Levitin, the author of “Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives” suggests that since we have to navigate uneven terrain while hiking, it helps to keep our brains sharp.
One study showed that taking a long walk can strengthen relationships, build connection and rapport and help to resolve conflict.
Another study found that walking in nature can increase energy and reduce anger and the symptoms of depression.
While another study found that walking outdoors can improve self-esteem.
We are fortunate enough to be so close to the Gorge, Mt. St. Helen’s, Mt. Hood, and the Coast. You can explore local trails right here in Clark County with minimal elevation, but maximum scenery.
Try some of these amazing local trails:
Lacamas Lake & Round Lake Trail
Battle Ground Lake
Moulton Falls trail
Lewis River Park Trail
Discover/Burnt Bridge Trail
Waterfront Trail & Salmon Creek Trail
…the options are endless including amazing Forest Park in Portland!
Here are some of my favorite, more lengthy hikes in our region:
June Lake – 3 mile hike (Mt. St. Helens)
Mirror Lake 4 mile hike (Mt. Hood)
Angel’s Rest 5 mile hike (Oregon side Gorge)
Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls 5 mile loop (Oregon side gorge)
Cape Horn 7 mile Loop (Washington Side Gorge)
Hamilton Mountain 9 mile Loop (Washington Side gorge)
Dog Mountain 8 mile hike (Washington side gorge) *Confirm whether permit required
Enjoy the majestic views and take a moment to be thankful for what a beautiful area we live in while realizing that you are benefitting your body, mind and spirit.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.