Double the Fun With Cycling and Hiking

By Donna Stark

If I had to come up with two activities that a person should participate in during the fall, I would suggest cycling and hiking. Because really, can you think of a better time to do them during the rest of the year? Winter's a bust, spring can still be cold and rainy, and the mosquitoes in the summer? Yuck! They can be bad enough to keep everyone indoors! So celebrate the cooler temps and colorful trees and head outside for some exercise. Only let's not call it exercise anymore. Let's call it what it is: extreme fall fun!

Keeping Your Fun Safe

The fresh, cool air that comes with the change in season can certainly invigorate and motivate us to stay physically active, but before you grab your loved ones to hit the road or the trails, you need to plan for everyone's safety. It's never any fun when a day of adventure ends up with a visit to the doctor, so take a look at the following suggestions before you head out the door.

Wear the Right Stuff

For cycling, you want to make sure you have enough helmets for everyone and that you are wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Avoid loose pants that can get caught in the chain, choose closed-toe footwear, and grab a light jacket if the weather calls for it.

For hiking, you should dress for the elements and wear your clothes in layers. You also want to make sure that the shoes you wear provide plenty of traction and support (for both your arches and ankles).

Pack the Right Stuff

You really don't need to pack a lot of things for a bike ride, but if you plan on being gone for a significant amount of time, be sure to bring enough water and maybe a snack or two. And if you want to be extra cautious, you could also pack a flat tire kit and a small hand pump.

Hiking, on the other hand, may require more stuff. Depending on where you go and how long you expect to be out, you may need to pack more because of the environment and conditions. In addition to packing adequate amounts of water and food, you should always consider bringing navigation tools, a flashlight, and a small first aid kit.

Extreme Fall Fun

Cycling and hiking are two amazing opportunities for you to get outside and enjoy the awesome beauty that Mother Nature provides during the fall season, so go ahead and make your plans. Just be sure to keep the recommendations above in mind, because as much as everybody wants to see the beauty of the outdoors, nobody wants to see their doctor because of it.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.