For this week’s Report, I refer again to another "Dad" story. While growing up, my Dad always had us doing some type of “active” chore. These included jobs like clamming in the Narragansett Bay, bringing buckets full of sand from the beach for the walkway, raking and picking vegetables from the garden, and restructuring cords of wood into a pile. My Dad said, “these activities will serve you well as they will enable you to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.” Funny enough, as much as I detested these “active” chores, they really made me who I am today.
Leading an active lifestyle can mean many things. To me, it means eating healthy foods (Well, most of the time. Those darn Ruffles!) and exercising. I especially like hiking outdoors in various parks throughout Northern California. I would like to recommend three energizing hikes I recently experienced:
1. Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, CA – The perimeter hike is 6 miles from the entrance of the park. One of my favorite and most majestic trails is the Cypress Grove Trail. It’s a very short hike, which winds through Monterey Cypress trees. From this trail you can see dramatic and spectacular ocean views. It will literally take your breath away. Also along the trail there are hidden beaches that you can walk down to. Pure nature. Pure bliss.
2. Point Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Reyes, CA – This is one of my top hikes in the Northern coast of California! Tomales Point trail is 10 miles on moderate terrain and quite a strenuous hike! My muscles are still sore! Plan for an all-day outing as it’s a beautiful long drive from San Francisco and the hike is extensive. See behind me in my blog photo? The main attraction is the tule elk. We ended our walking excursion on McClure Beach and fell into the zone practicing yoga.
3. Wunderlich County Park, Woodside, CA – My “go to” trail is Bear Gulch Trail, which is an approximate 4 mile hike that you can either run, walk or horseback ride. There are many trails to offer at this local park in the Bay Area where you can view beautiful Redwood trees and open meadows. It’s my “In–N-Out” hike! And, no, I don’t go afterwards to “In–N-Out Burger! Ha!
No matter your location, there are a few essentials you should bring on a hike such as:
- Camera, iPhone, or binoculars
- Layers of clothing – especially a windbreaker
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
I’ve created a fun, fashionable and useful R essentials bag especially for hiking. Want one for your next hike? Just ask!
I also recommend the following attire for hiking:
- Comfortable and sturdy walking, running or hiking shoes. Read about which ones I wear in a previous Report here: http://www.robinlaub.com/report/hiking-or-biking
- Long pants that can zip off into shorts
- Moisture wicking socks
- Athletic shirt that wicks away sweat
- A fleece or zip up jacket
Lululemon, Athleta and REI stores have fun and fashionable active wear. Need help shopping for the perfect outdoor gear? Just Ask!
And don’t forget to fuel up before a hike or an active workout. I suggest drinking a protein shake before a strenuous activity – this will help sustain your energy and help with recovery. If you’d like to be guided on a fitness hike, inquire with Shapin’ with Sunita. Her fitness hikes are exceptional!
To me, there are three important ways to keep and maintain an active lifestyle. They are:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy (including drinking plenty of water)
- Get lots of sleep
Bikini and board shorts weather is coming up. So go outside! Be active! Love lifting weights! Strengthen your core! Join a meet-up group depending on which activity you LOVE! In other words, get up and go!
I leave you with a few Words of Enlightenment:
"Live impeccably, Love magnanimously and Be who you are." - Karen Leitner
