Summer is a great time to stay active outside. Physical activity is anything that gets you moving. Gardening, cleaning, playing, dancing, and walking are great ways to move your body during the summer.
The CDC suggests 30 minutes of exercise daily. Walking is one of the best ways to exercise because it is inexpensive and does not require special equipment. You do not have to be a certain age to walk or to reap the benefits.
Benefits of walking:`
- Weight management
- Lowers LDL
- Raises HDL
- Lowers blood pressure
- Lowers risk for heart disease
- Lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Lowers stress
- Increases energy
- Supports joints
- Improves breathing
- Lowers Alzheimer’s risk
- Improves sleep
- Improves mood
We have a great list of Eastern Idaho walking trails below. Looking for trails in other parts of Idaho? Check out this post: Trails of Idaho
Pocatello and the surrounding areas have many great walking paths that range in distance and difficulty.
Places to walk in Pocatello:
- AMI Kirkham Trail – 1.16 miles – easy
- Brennan Trail – 1.28 miles – easy
- Cherry Springs Loop A – 744.75 feet – easy
- City Creek Over the Top Loop – 9.10 miles – easy
- City Creek Road to base of Rock Knoll – 6.81 miles – moderate
- Eagle Rock Trail Loop – 928 miles – moderate
- Edson Fichter Nature Area Greenway 1.39 miles – moderate
- Edson Fichter Nature Area Pond Loop 1.12 miles – easy
- Red Hill Trail 1.14 miles – moderate
- Riverside Trail 1.73 miles – easy
- Shady Side Trail 3,031.50 feet – easy
- Slate Mountain to Gibson Jack Loop – 12.98 miles – moderate
- Sterling Justice Trail – 6.44 miles – moderate
- Valve House – 5.92 miles – moderate
Blackfoot:
- Jensen’s Grove Lake Greenbelt Loop – 1.8 miles – easy
- Hell’s Half Acre Loop Southbound – .8 miles – easy
- Hell’s Half Acre Loop Northbound – .8 miles – easy
Idaho Falls:
- Idaho Falls Greenbelt – 11 miles – easy
- Russ Freeman Park Loop – 1.6 miles – easy
- McCowin Park Loop – .7 miles – easy
Here are some ideas to keep you walking more throughout your daily activities:
- Park a little farther from entrances to stores, restaurants, work or school etc.
- Walk in place during tv commercials
- Instead of meeting for coffee, have a walking meeting
- When making phone calls, walk around the block
It is important to exercise during the morning and/or evening when the temperatures are cooler. Dress in layers. Several layers of clothing allow you to remove clothing as you become warmer, and will help against overheating. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
There are many other activities that are fun to do in the summer and keep our bodies active such as: jogging, running, riding bikes, swimming, and kayaking. Join in with the kids by flying kites, playing basketball, soccer or frisbee, jumping rope, using a hula hoop, joining in a game of hopscotch or freeze tag and running through the sprinklers.
Enjoy the summer by staying active and enjoying all the rewards that come from moving your body.
https://www.visitpocatello.com/trails-routes/
https://www.alltrails.com/us/idaho/blackfoot
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/walking_fit_for_benefits
https://www.alltrails.com/us/idaho/idaho-falls