Brains, bellies and biceps
No, this isn't a smart full-body workout. And it's definitely not a recipe. It's six compelling reasons to get some exercise and get with a lower Glycemic Load diet. Let's connect the dots.
Mt. Crawford via the historic Davis Path
Four miles roundtrip. On the oldest mountain hiking trail in the United States. To the summit of Mt. Crawford. Just 12 miles farther to the top of Mt. Washington. Since 1819. Before the invention of switchbacks. It's short but steep. The views are 360.
Side Effects may include weight loss
Health and comfortable longevity are the reasons to take one every day. Improved strength, balance and flexibility, too. The likely side effect: looking better in your swimsuit at the beach this summer.
To Train in Spain, Climb Above the Plain
I found myself in Spain during the final two weeks of training for my ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro. So I found a nice little mountain to practice on. Right in the middle of wine country, near the border of La Rioja and the Basque Country. You want to know about this place.
Summer Stretch: butt up, hamstrings out
Because flexible muscles make everything easier and less tiring. Now, on the floor. On your back. To improve the flexibility of your hamstrings and the strength of the surrounding core muscles that support them and your lower back.
One Day. Three Summits.
From the Crawford Notch trailhead to the peaks of Mount Pierce, Mount Jackson and Mount Webster. A lot of walking. A lot of sightseeing. From three mountaintops in the Presidential Range of White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, USA.
Togetherness
It's Memorial Day. Let's honor each other. And exercise together. Here in the States, almost everybody has today off. So you can take a long walk with somebody else who has the day off. Double your pleasure, double your fun. Double your health benefit. Because having friends appears to be very healthy in itself.
The View from Bald Mountain, Sonoma
Today's the day to walk the Bald Mountain Trail. Forecast: full sun with an afternoon high of 75 F. Perfect for this easy 6.5-mile loop with spectacular views. No sweat. Well, maybe a little on the Way up. 3 or 4 hours, depending on if you do your wine-tasting before or after the hike.
Summer Stretch: Your Spinal Balance
Because flexible muscles make everything easier and less tiring. C'mon, down on your hands and knees. To improve the flexibility of your shoulders and hips. To engage the abdominal and core muscles that support and balance you. This is a great 1-minute exercise.
Pizza in Naples. Time Travel in Pompeii.
Let's party like it was A.D. 79. August 24, 79. Via dell'Abbondanza was jammed with people buying their fruits and vegetables and olive oil and wine and ... you know how that story ends. Today, Pompeii is one of the most beautifully fascinating walks on the planet. And nearby Naples might be the best place to walk and eat pizza.