Hiking on a trail can be far more dangerous than walking on a treadmill.On a treadmill, you are in a controlled environment. The temperature is regulated, there is no chance of rain, and you can set the pace and incline that you want to use to walk or run. You have no chance of encountering wild animals. The scenery never changes. There is some mystery to walking on a trail. No matter how many times you walk the path, it is never the same. For example, yesterday my friend Lisa and I set out for a casual walk at Jefferson Barracks Park. We thought we might come across a few deer, maybe a bird or squirrel but never into the middle of a war. But on this day that is precisely what happened. Unbeknownst to us, they had a World War 2 reenactment. Soldiers were everywhere. Gunfire disrupted the peacefulness of the trail. Instead of just walking, we also got a history lesson. Hiking is an excellent form of exercise. When walking with a friend, it is also a time to socialize. When walking alone, it is an excellent time to talk with God or listen to some praise music.
The added benefit from walking outside is that our bodies can produce vitamin D which is essential to our health. The more skin that is exposed, the more Vitamin D our body can make. Vitamin D promotes bone health, is an anti-inflammatory, strengthens the immune system, helps lower the risk of some cancers, maintains brain function and is essential for heart health.
Other benefits of walking on trails are that you can enjoy the beauty of nature.Nature has been proven to help restore a person’s well being. It can improve our mood, calm an active mind and restore balance to our lives.
We walked at Jefferson Barracks Park. This park has several trails. There are two trails around the park and one that follows the river. There are many deer in the park, so you are most likely to see at least one every time you visit the park. The trails are paved to make for easy walking. Right now many of the trees and flowers are blooming to add to the beauty of the park. If you want to add more exercise, there are fitness stations along the trail, with directions as to how to use them. The park was an old army post, and there are some of the original building here as well as museum and exhibits. The Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is right next to the park and is also an interesting place to visit. Soldiers from all the wars are buried here. If you have never visited this park, then you should check it out.