From the trails of the Piedmont to the scenic views of the mountains, North Carolina is a beautiful place to enjoy the great colors fall has to offer. And what better way to enjoy the color than to get out and experience it first hand, walking along at your own pace to take in the full grandeur of nature’s beauty?
Hiking is an activity all of us at Foster Chiropractic enjoy because it provides so many benefits to your physical and mental health. The exercise is great for cardiovascular health, helping lower blood pressure and strengthening your heart. It’s also good for building strength in your muscles and boosting bone density, since walking is a weight bearing exercise. The fresh air, sunshine and calming effects of nature also help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Foster’s Hiking Checklist
Make sure you’re prepared and stay safe and healthy on the trails with our handy list of hiking essentials and pre-planning advice.
Good Boots. Gravel trails and steep slopes make it easy to slip and fall or twist your ankle. Footwear with a good tread and strong ankle support can help mitigate those health concerns and minimize any opportunity for accidents to occur.
Walking Sticks. Even if the hike you’re planning isn’t on mountainous terrain, walking sticks can help with balance in any situation. They’re a good way to help avoiding stumbles, falls and possible joint damage.
Snacks and Water. Staying hydrated while out on the trails is a must. Your body expends water with exercise, so replenishing your body’s water as you go helps keep you working at peak performance. The same is true for snacks. Bring along a trail mix with a good combination of carbohydrates and protein to keep your energy levels up through the entire hike.
Warm-Up Stretches. A good stretching routine can help make sure your muscles and joints are prepared for the strain of hiking. Don’t forget to stretch at the end as well, to help your muscles cool down sufficiently.
Chiropractic Alignment. Before you head out for a hike, make sure to schedule an alignment with Foster Chiropractic. Your spine and hips will absorb a lot of force from your body’s pounding while walking. If you’ve made sure your spine is properly aligned beforehand, you’ll find you have increased mobility, stamina and balance. An alignment can also help reduce pain from the pressure on your spine, hips and joints.
Great Local Hikes
The Winston-Salem area is blessed with plenty of great places to see fall colors, from local greenways in town to well-kept trails in the foothills. Here are just a few of our favorite places.