/ For The Orange County Register
A New Year's resolution to lose weight is great, except for one thing: Everybody does it at the same time, explaining why gyms are now packed with new crowds.
So if you want to get a good workout in a quiet environment, I have a secret: Night walks in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach is a natural beauty waiting to be explored under the moonlight. The air temperature is warm - the average winter temperature is in the mid-60s. Add to this the soothing sound of splashing waves, and you will enjoy a magical midweek walk that's bound to lower your stress level.
Whether you're a beginning or advanced walker, you can join in. Just keep the following in mind:
Beginners:Walk on the paved boardwalk.
Advanced beginners:Walk on the hard sand.
Intermediate: Vary the walk with a combination of hard and soft sand by moving from the shoreline to the deeper sand.
Advanced:Walk in deep, soft sand for a workout that beats the treadmill hands down.
If you are interested, here are some details you should know:
Where: Newport Beach Pier, at the recently installed Labyrinth (the flagpole has been taken down). Free parking after 6 p.m.
When:Every Wednesday night during the early spring season, at 6:15 p.m.
How long: An hour and a half. We'll walk two miles to the Balboa Pier and two miles back.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes that you won't mind getting a little wet from an occasional unruly wave. Walking will warm you up, so a Windbreaker should be enough. However, if it's a chilly night, bring a sweat shirt or fleece so you'll be extra toasty.
Golden rule of the Orange County Hikers & Backpackers Club:Take it easy and don't injure yourself. Mildly sore muscles are fine, but stop if you feel pain. Rest for at least 48 hours between walks to recover and build strength.
Hardish Jani of Mission Viejo has done the four-mile pier-to-pier trek and says, "The beach walk is not only fun but very enriching."
No comments:
Post a Comment