A Little Bit of Exercise Is Just What the Doctor Ordered
Okay, I’m not going to scare the daylights out of you for this column, and I’m not going to talk about what you can’t eat, shouldn’t buy, or should toss from your refrigerator. That was then, this is now. Now we will discuss some enjoyable ways of exercising that don’t have you busting your gut.
It’s warm outside and the sun is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. We should choose morning or evening hours to continue our exercise regimen.
Walking the boardwalk in the morning before 10 a.m. is a good idea, and walking our newly revitalized boardwalk in the evening is even a better idea. Here are some other great ideas for some scenic walking. Walk the length of Rehoboth Avenue —up and down—and take in the sights. If in Lewes, walk Savannah Road over the canal bridge and on to the Dairy Queen at Lewes Beach. Beautiful scenery. Or, try and walk to the Ferry Terminal for a little more of a challenge. When in Milton, try a walk along historic Federal Street, through downtown, then up Union Street. The houses are truly eye candy for the soul. If walking in town doesn’t do it for you, then head for our State Parks. Walking the beach is a great way to burn calories and tone up the body. You can’t go wrong with our beaches. Cape Henlopen State Park has some of the most gorgeous scenery, sand, sounds, and sights in all of Delaware. We are truly lucky.
Here’s another alternative—biking. There are now many bike routes and paths put in by DelDot to allow bikers to “share the road.” We live outside Milton off Route 30. We get many, many bike riders on our road. It isn’t heavily traveled and very safe for a single biker or a group of bikers. There is also the bike path nature trail between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Awesome sights. A note of warning: biking on Route 1 is highly frowned upon. Don’t do it unless absolutely necessary.
Another great idea for enjoying your exercise is swimming. I know the ocean water may be a bit too cold for many, but there are the brave souls who do jump in and shrug off the chill. But to those who are holding out for the warmer temps of August, you can get your workout in the swimming pool. Half of my clients own pools, including one who owns an awesome lap pool which he uses every morning. With swimming pools you can do water aerobics, laps, even cannonballs! And just remember that hot tubbing is not swimming—not at all!
Like hiking? We have some great parks here in Delaware from Redden State Forest out near us to Cape Henlopen State Park. We’ve got some stunning scenery to soak up while hiking. Wear appropriate gear: hiking boots, socks, long pants preferred, and a shirt. Bugs such as ticks, spiders, and mosquitoes can be pretty bothersome so take along some repellent, too.
And for those of us who want to really lay back and relax while getting a dose of exercise, try yoga. Really! Try a class or two, or join a class that meets regularly. Try it outside when the weather permits. Soothing music, a relaxing environment, and a good instructor are all you need.
So, you do have options. You don’t have to “bust your hump” in the gym everyday. Get outside and enjoy the summer months in the Diamond State.
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates.