As the weather cools down in South Carolina, it is a great time to begin or enhance your exercise program with walking or hiking outdoors.    Exercise is a key component to staying healthy before, and after weight loss surgery and walking outdoors can:

• Enhance your weight loss
• Maintain muscle mass
• Help your body produce more Vitamin D
•  Reduce stress
• Strengthens  your cardiovascular system
• Burn off extra calories you may be able to eat months and years after surgery

It also takes very little to begin a walking program.  Comfortable, well-fitting shoes or hiking boots, light weight clothing, and a water bottle is all you need. For longer hikes perhaps you’ll need a small backpack for snacks and sunscreen.   The following is a list of beautiful, outdoor walking trails in the Midlands:

Walking-

Canal and Riverfront Park – Downtown Columbia

Saluda Shoals Park – NW Columbia

Riverbank Zoo and Gardens -Columbia

Timmerman Trail -Cayce

Irmo Community Park –Irmo                                        

Lake Murray Dam –Irmo/Lexington

Crooked Creek Park – Chapin

Hiking:

Harbison State Forest –Columbia

Sesquicentennial State Park - NE Columbia

Congaree National Park -Hopkins

Deher Island State Park – Chapin

Enjoy walking this fall.  It is a great way to get fit and a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends!