Updating Your Exercise Routine

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

19 Feb 2009 12:41 PM

You'd never know it by looking out my living room window, but according to the calendar, spring is on its way. For may fitness buffs, this means switching up the ol' exercise routine and adding more outdoor calorie-burning activities.

When the weather warms up I surf the Internet and plan hiking adventures. Backpacker magazine has an extremely user-friendly Find-A-Hike option that provides incredibly detailed maps. If you are looking for cool places to explore nature with your entire family, you'll find this tool indispensable.

The Find-A-Hike electronic helper allows you to simply scroll across any U.S. state and find detailed descriptions of Backpacker magazine or reader-suggested hikes. Each hike option includes distance, difficulty and identifies the applicable USGS topography map. In addition, you have access to directions and waypoints along with elevation profiles, various printable maps, sendable GPS files and even phone-views.

If you are determined to slim down before your spring hike (or spring break), then consider the following tips:

Small is Better. Eat five to six small meals a day, rather than two or three larger ones. Also, cut back on portion sizes and stick with low calorie and low-fat food options.

Say No to Booze. Cut out alcohol and drink more water.

Amp Up Interval Training. Doing so will help build muscle, which in turn will help you burn fat faster.

Relax. Studies show that sucking in your gut might give the illusion of a flat stomach, but it makes breathing harder, which can be detrimental to your overall health.

Remember that battling a bulging waistline takes persistence. Tackling the extra weight around your waist won't happen in the course of a week. Prepare to spend at least a few weeks participating in aerobic activity, weightlifting and stomach-toning exercises. In most cases, if you start now, you'll be bikini ready by summer.

Related Articles:

Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Hiking the Himalayas

Hiking into Summer

More Places To Hike In Hawaii

Where To Hike In Hawaii

Fun Family Travel Destinations-Part 3: Hiking Trails

"Take A Hike"---On The Appalachian Trail

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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