Let's Get Moving
Want to start taking advantage of the many trails and parks by starting a biking or walking regimen? Starting can be daunting for many, but with the use of technology, there are so many ways to get help.
Motivation to begin and then to persevere are two major obstacles. One way to get motivated is to join friends or other people who like to bike, hike or walk. If you don’t have friends who are interested, there are many meet-up groups on Facebook and other social media sites that you can join. These groups let you know the places and times they are meeting so you can join them. Search the Facebook Community Groups and search for Bicycle and Walking groups to begin. It’s easier to persevere when you connect with others.
Other useful technology resources are apps for your smartphone. There are many GPS programs for hiking. All Trails, Trail Link, Avenza Maps, Gaia GPS are all examples. These apps show trails in the areas you want to walk, run or bike. Information on difficulty level, length of the trail and directions to get there as well as tracking your progress on the trail are given. Hikers and bikers provide reviews of the trails so you can find suitable trails. These apps let you find new places to explore which is another great motivator to get out there and move.
Get moving and enjoy the trails, streets and parks in our community.
Author - Jan Nelson is a Lee’s Summit resident and member of the Livable Streets Advisory Board, a mayor-appointed, volunteer board whose goals include working to make our community and streets more “livable,” safe and accessible for all citizens.
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