One of the benefits of being fit is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. Austin has so many great outdoor places to exercise. I highly recommend you plan a weekend outing that includes Zilker Park. Pack something to eat and drink, comfortable walking shoes, a swim suit and a few dollars if you need to park the car or get into the Barton Springs pool.
On any given weekend, and as long as the weather cooperates, you can take part in a wide variety of free or low cost exercise activities from organized events such as soccer and volleyball, to more unorganized, leisure activities as hiking, kite flying, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming in and around Austin's in-town city park.
Called Austin's Most Loved Park, Zilker Park spreads out over 351 acres just south of Town Lake. Connected to Zilker Park are miles and miles of hike and bike trails called the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Once you walk down the trail as far as you want to go, stop and have lunch. When you are ready, walk back to the trail head. You will find it takes less time coming back. Then, go for a swim in Barton Springs Pool.
Here's a list of a few tips that'll make your hike more enjoyable.
- Whatever you hike into the Hike and Bike Trail with, you'll need to hike back out. This includes all trash and waste products.
- Most trails contain uneven terrain. You'll have a more enjoyable experience if you leave the sandals at home. Hiking shoes and boots, trail shoes or running/walking shoes will help you get up or down.
- Choose loose-fitting clothing and preferably fabric that wicks the moisture away from the skin and can handle the distance of the trail. Cotton fabric dries slowly and keeps moisture next to the skin.
- Pack some insect repellent.
- Always travel with a companion, whether it be family, friend or even co-worker.
- Let someone know where you'll be for the afternoon.
- Pack enough water for you and others.
- If you usually get a blister in a certain place, apply duct tape, athletic tape, or a bandaid to that spot before you start your hike.
- Print a map of the Hike and Bike Trail and take it with you.
Unlike running races where reaching the finish line, bettering a timed result or achieving a distance is the goal; on the trail, experiencing every moment is the goal. No times, no splits, no markers. Just you, exercising and experiencing nature. The amount of fitness we need to be healthy isn't much. It comes with just a little movement each day. Walking the greenbelts of Zilker Park is a great way to start.