Hiking CAN Kick Your Butt!

Hiking is one of the best exercises I have ever tried.  Those urbanites, who have never stepped into the woods, always seem to think it is equitable to taking a walk in Central Park, but they are so dead wrong.  We, native New Yorkers, many times become blinded by the confines of the 5 boroughs.  We become so used to traveling by public transportation that in time, most New Yorkers don't venture very far out of the City.  I was one of these people before I accidentally discovered hiking in Harriman State Park, and from that day forward, I was hooked.

Hiing is fun, peaceful, cardio intensive, and suits anyone who wants to start at any fitness level.  Hiking brings something different at every turn.  You never know what will be waiting for you half a mile down the road, which brings on a level of excitement to the outing.

There is nothing like having to complete a hike once you're in for motivation.   There is no room for excuses.  There is no way you cannot hydrate yourself.  There is no way to snack on junk unless you bring it with you in the first place.  At my heaviest weight, I was able to hike, not as fast as I can now, but I was able to strap on my daypack and get moving.

Watkins Glen

At it's very basic core, hiking is just you against nature, and it forces you to realize that your every day life is actually not as serious as you may think.  There IS a bigger picture outside of your own universe, and you are nothing but a speck in this great portrait.  Facing nature first-hand humbles you because you realize that even something as seemingly harmless as a squirrel can kick your behind in the woods if you don't watch your P's and Q's.

As humans we are very fragile and don't possess any real natural defenses besides forged weaponry.  So, unless you plan to shoot or stab the squirrel, you are outmatched each and every single time.  You are a guest in the natural domain and you need to observe certain decorum.  You must be aware of where you step and how you step.  You must be aware of where you are going and how to get back.   You must be aware of what time of day it is and what time of day you will be returning.  In essence, you must be ready to survive because if you don't, you are on your own.  And, the last thing you want to happen is to be hurt and lost in the woods at night.  This is why safety is always of utmost importance, but if you are cautious and prepare in advance by packing the appropriate gear, the woods can be a magical place to escape from the drudgery and many stresses of an overpopulated city.

To find great sites near NYC, visit here and for those of you who don't own a car or simply want to stay local for the day, NYC itself has some great parks with many trails.

Gosh, I miss hiking so very much.  Man, I can't wait until Spring!