Dec 19 2012

Trail Links Available on Trailsnet.com

Links to Trail Information

trail signpost

Best trail links here!

Trailsnet is happy to provide helpful trail links to news & information from the world of trails. Trailsnet trail links are available under the ABOUT heading above. Our newest link on the Trailsnet helpful trail links page is for Seattle Backpackers Magazine. It’s one of the many great websites out there for trail lovers and specifically for those who love backpacking trails. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the links we provide. We look forward to adding new links as they become available.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/19/trail-links-available-on-trailsnet-com/

Dec 18 2012

Cold Weather Running Tips

Winter Trail Running Suggestions

runner on treadmill

Lose the treadmill & find a trail for running.

The Trailsnet guest post for this week is from Gary. Gary has some great suggestions for you trail runners who forsake the indoor gym treadmills and brave the cold weather to hit the trails all year long.

Today I’d like to talk to you about cold weather running and how you prepare for it. If you’re new to running, it’s always difficult to decide or choose proper gear and what you’re going to wear. If it’s winter then you need to think about is wearing layers.

Technical Running Clothes

You also need to think about wearing technical material. So you go to your local sporting goods store or running shop and they’ll definitely have a lot of advice for you. They’ll have a lot of ideas and different things that you can wear.

I know that, for example, you get a brand like Adidas and they have a series called ClimaWarm, which is kind of warm weather technical gear. Definitely wear some layers. A jacket is necessary.

Running tights, maybe something else over them. You’re often going to want to wear a hat, and you’re also definitely going to want to wear gloves. You’re going to wear running gloves, for sure. And depending where you are and how cold it is, you might even need, like, a balaclava, so it’s something to cover your face.

You can get specific running balaclavas made out of, like, a kind of technical material. Again, go to your local running shop, ask some questions about that, they’ll know. Also, if you get a magazine like Runners’ World or Canadian Running, they often have winter gear guides that can really help you out. And be careful guys, remember. Icy roads, like I’m dealing with now. I’m having trouble walking on this. If it’s too icy, you might even get something.

In conclusion

It’s often difficult to know what to wear when you do winter running, but there’s a few ideas for you. And be safe, of course. And remember too, in the winter time, you know, you’ve got a good chance of slipping and falling, which is something that doesn’t happen in the summer time so again, be careful.

So there you go guys. Running in the winter. With a little bit of preparation and having the right running clothes running in the winter isn’t really as difficult as it seems. The hardest part is usually getting up out of your warm bed in the mornings when it’s freezing cold outside! But I always find once you are outside and running at a good pace you soon warm up, and the adrenaline rush is always worth it!

Gary has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for the last five years and has recently open podplus-shop.co.uk a technical running clothing and shoe store by runners, for runners.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/18/cold-weather-running-tips/

Dec 16 2012

What You Should Know About Resistance Training

 Trails Provide Aerobic Training, But is That Enough?

Plenty of people out there want to get healthy, and there’s so many methods which people can use to do so. As you know, Trailsnet.com is a big proponent of getting out on trails and riding bikes, hiking, riding Trikkes, inline skating, snowshoeing & more. Even though trails are probably the best and most cost-effective gym out there, the aerobic exercise provided by trails is only part of the overall fitness picture and even the role that exercise plays in our overall fitness. Resistance training is one of the methods that people use for exercise and strength building purposes.

A Definition

barbells for weight training

Lifting weights is one form of resistance training.

So what exactly is this resistance training of which we speak? Well, according to the Vancouver Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, the definition of resistance training is as follows: “…the use of external force to build up the body’s ability to exert muscular force. Also known as weight or strength training.” What does that mean in layman’s terms? Well, it means that the person uses an outside element such as weights or a resistance band to build his or her strength.

Resistance Training Exercises

United States News presents an article entitled “10 Forms of Resistance Training That Strengthen Your Muscles” written by the U.S. News Staff to let people know what types of exercises actually count as resistance training. The article lists the following exercises: arm raises, internal and external rotation, leg abduction, leg adduction, side plank, plank, short arc squats/wall slides, wall shin raises, straight leg raises and heel step downs. Not sure how to do some of these exercises? Your best bet would be to consult with a personal trainer so you make sure that you’re not hurting yourself as you learn.

The Importance

Now that you know how to go about a resistance training program properly, you probably want to know why such a program is important. Well, according to the U.S. News Staff, there’s quite a few benefits. The article says that when you build up your muscles, your metabolism is improved and, of course, you have more strength in your body. Other listed benefits include the prevention of falling and injuries. As with many exercises, your mood can also be lifted from engaging in resistance training. Therefore, in general, you will feel better all around from the muscles in your body to the emotions in your soul.

Preventing Injury

As in any exercise program, resistance training poses injuries if the movements are not done properly. The U.S. News Staff actually states that your back is one area that can really be hurt if you don’t heed caution and advice. To see how to properly engage in the exercises, you can check out some videos from reputable trainers on YouTube or purchase videos for your home. Additionally, you can usually start working with a local trainer at your gym. Often, this is the best option since the trainer will get to know you and what you’re able to handle, thereby allowing him or her to tailor programs that are custom made for your body.

Resistance training is one more of the ways in which people can help themselves to get into better shape, to lose weight and to tone up. Having better physical and mental health doesn’t sound too bad now, does it? Well, get on your sneakers, head out to the gym and start working your way to a better you today!

Karmy Byler writes about fitness, finance & more at www.homeinsurance.org.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/16/what-you-should-know-about-resistance-training/

Dec 14 2012

Trailsnet Blog Guest Post Policy

Trail Blog Posts Welcome

trail sign

Trail Information Welcome

Just like Trailsnet welcomes guests to post trail information, we also accept guest blog posts. However, Trailsnet has blog guest post guidelines, so please have a look at these guest post requirements:

  • conveys quality, practical information about trails or trail-related topics
  • is able to be used exclusively on Trailsnet.com
  • may include up to two photos/graphics that are related to the post content but please keep graphic size as condensed as possible. If you aren’t able to condense your photo/illustration, then only use one graphic
  • infringes no copyright laws
  • includes a headline, body text, and your byline (preferably w/ a wee bit of information about yourself or your qualifications

If you would like to submit a guest post to the Trailsnet blog, please utilize the Trailsnet contact link located above. You can either send a query or the entire proposed post. Your expertise, opinions and information are welcome but subject to approval.

We realize that many people write guest posts to drive traffic to their website. So links to your website are fine, but any links must be related to trail information and/or one of the following topics:

  • trail/outdoor fitness
  • trail travel
  • trail etiquette
  • trail rules
  • trail legislation
  • trail vehicles
  • trail products
  • trail adventures
  • trail lifestyles
  • human interest stories that relate to trails
  • animals on trails (wildlife or domesticated animals)
  • trails in nature

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/14/trailsnet-blog-guest-post-policy/

Dec 08 2012

What is Being Done to End Childhood Obesity?

Challenge to End Childhood Obesity

One way that you can help end childhood obesity is to cast your vote in the great Childhood Obesity Challenge. Simply create a login account (very quick & easy) then cast your vote for outdoor fitness and using trails to help kids stay active, happy and fit. The Childhood Obesity Challenge is just one of many creative programs designed to help end childhood obesity.

Let’s Move to End Childhood Obesity

bike riders on trail

trail pals & bike buddies

First Lady Michelle Obama is an integral part of the Let’s Move program that is designed to put a screeching halt to the ever-growing epidemic of childhood obesity. The Let’s Move initiative seeks to utilize physical activity combined with nutritious eating habits to help kids lead healthy lifestyles.

Get Kids Outside and Active on our Network of Trails

Of course, the key players in the fight to end obesity are parents, community members and the kids themselves. That’s why it’s important to get the word out about the resources that already exist to help kids stay active and fit. Trailsnet.com is one of the resources available to help kids lead a healthy lifestyle using their community trails as a way of staying healthy. That is why Trailsnet is trying to encourage more active use of our website. By adding their own trails and finding trails that are already in place, children will spend less time in front of the television and more time outside hiking, biking and playing on trails. Trailsnet hopes to secure funding to make our website more kid-friendly to help in the fight against childhood obesity. So please cast your vote today and help Trailsnet.com become a place where kids begin to connect with the great outdoors.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/08/what-is-being-done-to-end-childhood-obesity/

Dec 03 2012

Why End Childhood Obesity?

Problems With Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is no longer a problem that we can ignore. Over the past twenty years, it has become not only a significant health issue, but also an economic issue and even a (believe it or not) national defense issue.

two girls walk dog on trail

fun on trails

Some of the main problems with childhood obesity is that it:

  • significantly raises the rate of diabetes on a national level.
  • contributes to a higher rate of heart disease.
  • increases the incidence of certain cancers.
  • adds to the prevalence of other major illnesses such as lung disease and musculo-skeletal diseases.
As if all of that is not enough, the United States military forces warn that one in four Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 are too heavy to be admitted into military service.
The issue of obesity in general and childhood obesity specifically must be addressed. It is truly an epidemic. As with any epidemic, we need to have a clear and specific plan for eradicating it. Fortunately there are programs in place. One of the most high profile programs in place is called Let’s Move and is endorsed by First Lady Michelle Obama. As its name implies, the program strives to increase the activity level of children. In addition it also addresses nutritional issues and strives to improve the overall health of children.
Trailsnet.com is proud to be an active participant in the battle to end childhood obesity. In future Trailsnet blogposts, you will learn about:
  • What is being done to battle childhood obesity?
  • How can Trailsnet help to end childhood obesity?
  • What specific role will Trailsnet play in the war against childhood obesity?
  • Who will be recruited in Trailsnet’s Trails to Fitness program?

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/03/why-end-childhood-obesity/