Just Do It

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite form of physical exercise?

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This is a hiking blog after all, but just as Nike’s slogan in the title might seem obvious, it’s complicated. The post however, is not nearly as dark as the origin of the slogan.

To start with, I don’t think hiking is simply physical exercise.

I enjoy hiking for many reasons. The planning of the route, the exertion of navigating the terrain, the connection to the outdoors, as well as the views. The accomplishment of reaching the summit of a mountain, as well as the shared experience when hiking with friends is why I love it as well. It’s certainly exercise- I burn lots of calories climbing steep inclines with 10-20lbs on my back, but it’s a necessity to accomplish the goal, not merely to get a workout.

Interestingly, I often go to the gym to maintain my fitness so I CAN hike. Free weights and cardio, upper body and legs, working different muscle groups that support the ability to hike with a pack and the endurance it requires. While there is a certain enjoyment to slow and steady push-ups and curling dumbbells, it can be tedious if you’re not in the mood, so not my favorite.

Perhaps I could assign Yoga as my favorite. I began practicing it many years ago to help with back trouble. I realized soon after starting that Yoga is much more than a physical endeavor, and the mental benefits are as important and healthful as the physical gains.

Ultimately, when I think of pleasurable exercise, I have to go with cycling. It’s great for “mature” individuals like myself. It keeps the joints moving to keep arthritis in check, good for the heart, burns calories, and is fun. I ride all year as long as the roads and paths are free of snow and ice.

So there you have it. A hiker who is also a biker. Really, it makes no difference what we do as long as we keep moving. The body needs to move and good exercise in any form is good for the mind as well. So as the slogan says….