Reignite your Fitness with Springtime Hikes

Reignite your Fitness with Springtime Hikes

“Starting a new way is never easy so…keep starting until the start sticks.”― Tim Fargo

Most people traditionally set a few goals at the beginning of the year, but renewing motivations for those goals is a daily and weekly process. While some folks would argue that Southern California did not have a winter this year, March 20th will mark the first official day of spring. Springtime brings with it a sense of renewal — a chance to begin again.

Did you set a movement goal you misplaced in January? Are you looking for a way to lift your spirits and get fit?  We found some local hikes that will surely inspire you to get-up-and-go. Start now and be ready for the sunny days of summer!

The San Gabriel Mountains are full of hiking trails; they are your free membership to the “gym”. These trails all start within residential neighborhoods (no mountain driving!). Many of these locations are city run wilderness park areas and several of them have picnic areas, nature centers, and restrooms or porta potties. The trails accommodate all levels of ability. Here are some locations to take your fitness outside and on to the local hiking trails:
• Arcadia: Arcadia Wilderness Park; enjoy a picnic and a short hike with the whole family.
• Sierra Madre: Mount Wilson Trail or Bailey Canyon Park; both of these trails are challenging and best for intermediate to advanced hikers. Choose Mount Wilson Trail for the early morning or evening while it’s still cool and choose Bailey Canyon for late morning or afternoon.

• Monrovia: Monrovia Canyon Park; even the littlest members of your family will enjoy this hike under a canopy of trees, rewarded by a waterfall at the turnaround.
• Pasadena: Eaton Canyon; be sure to visit the nature center, and when you hike keep an eye out for many birds that call this place home. Henninger flats: Take this hike if you are looking for a steeper more challenging trail which ends at a campground complete with BBQs and restroom facilities.

A few things to keep in mind while hiking in our mountains: BE SAFE and do not hike alone. Be aware of your surroundings, wear appropriate footwear (not sandals or flip-flops) and dress for the weather. Layered clothing often works best. Spring mornings can be cool but the afternoons get pretty warm and you might need to peel off a layer to stay comfortable.
Here’s a short list of essentials to bring on your hike: plenty of water, snacks, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, a small first aid kit.
For more information use your internet browser; call or visit the Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s office in Arcadia: 701 N. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006. (626) 574-1613. FAX (626) 574-5207; website: http://www.fs.usda.gov.

Embrace this season of renewal to start or restart your fitness journey in a whole new way!

“I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.”  –Anne Lamott

Written by Hope Langevin and Stephanie Aikin. Stephanie and Hope are personal trainers and can be reached for a complimentary consultation at www.moveyourmountain.com OR use the contact form below!

Look for our articles in the Beacon Weekly Newspapers: Arcadia Weekly, Monrovia Weekly, Sierra Madre Weekly, Temple City Tribune, Azusa Beacon, Duarte Dispatch, El Monte Examiner, Rosemead Reader, San Gabriel Sun and Pasadena Independent