Exercise

4,000' above the Pacific Ocean, right on top of Kauai's Waimea Canyon. The highest swamp in the world. Eight miles out and back. Strangest, and maybe the coolest, trail I've ever hiked. The Alaka'i Swamp Trail. You have to see the photos.

If you're thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro, well, you can! I now speak from experience. As time passes, I'll be more inclined to overlook the really difficult stuff and remember only the glorious stuff. So while it's all fresh in my mind, here's a brief illustrated diary of the biggest freakin' hike I ever took.n

If you have high blood pressure, you've probably been told to reduce or eliminate your salt consumption. And to exercise regularly. If you're not so good at either one of these, here's a near-zero-sodium salt substitute and some exercise news you might like to know about.

A 3-minute exercise to strengthen and train the muscles you use to stay on your feet. A dynamic balance exercise. It's not as goofy or easy as it looks. A little like tightrope-walking. No rope, no net. You can do it right on the floor.

Chinese New Year and surf's up down at Big Wave Bay. Hike the Dragon's Back Trail to Shek O Peak and wind your Way back down to the beach. Let's celebrate the new Year of the Goat like mountain goats. Happy New Year.

Let's start the week loose. Comfortable. Flexible. Because flexible muscles make everything easier and less tiring. Today's Way'll relax and stretch your neck, shoulders, back and hips. Make them feel and function better.

Skate right into town on the Rideau Canal. Hot chocolate and snacks all along the Way. Then put on your shoes: 100 miles of foot and bike paths line the rivers and canals. With dozens of restaurants along the Way. Either Way, burn more calories than you consume on your Winterlude Way. Skating is today's perfect winter sport: outdoors, socially distanced and your mask'll keep your face warm.

Like all first-Mondays-of-the-month, today's comes with a simple, gentle one-minute Way to improve your health. Get up! C'mon, you can read standing up. By the time you finish reading this Way, you're done with the first rep of today's healthy exercise.