Fitness review: bushwalking
Why do I rate bushwalking worthy of a fitness review? Because it’s one of the things that even the biggest naysayer can do!
I’m a regular bushwalker. It’s my go-to wind down/recovery that I’ll often swap with yoga, though I’ve read about hikers who simply combine the two and incorporate a few ‘mountain poses’ and ‘sun salutations’ along the way. My take is nothing beats being outdoors and bushwalking is for everyone.
So if you’ve ever used the excuse “it’s too hot”, “I’m not fit enough yet”, “I’ve got a bad back/knee”, “someone has to look after the kids”, or “that costs money”, then bushwalking my friend, is for you.
The details:
Duration: As long or as short as you like
Style: Own pace
Cost: Free!
Who’s there: All ages, all levels, often walkers with their dogs or parents with their kids
What to wear: shorts, t-shirt, hat, comfortable shoes like runners/cross trainers. If it’s a long-ish distance, bring a bag with water and snacks and consider shoes with ankle support. Bonus it’s autumn now, so it’s a lot cooler.
What to expect:
Our National Parks and Wildlife Departments do a pretty good job in grading walks and maintaining tracks. Just about any walk/trail has a highlight – Indigenous rock art, reaching a look-out point or waterfall, crossing through diverse terrains or following a water course. One of my favourite walks is the 5km Enoggera Creek Reservoir, located on Brisbane’s northside at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. The walk follows the reserve; and is a relatively flat track that winds around the water course, with some small steps and inclines as it loops back on itself.
As with all bushwalks, the pace you set and the grade (easy, medium, hard) will dictate how hard your body is working. But in general expect to get a good cardio workout if there’s a few inclines and feel your legs and core getting stronger from walking on an uneven terrain. Don’t be surprised if you get home and feel abit sore. Bushwalking is great for getting us to use a full range of movement – something we might not realise we’re not utilising everyday. If you’re relatively new to bushwalking, take note of the following:
Track grading: Each track/trail will have a grading or class (easy, medium, difficult) to give you an idea of what lies ahead. The more difficult tracks are often longer, have inclines/sharp drop-offs and something extra – like rock scrambling.
Duration: The sign will also say how long you can expect the walk/trail to take. These times are subjective though and in my opinion, quite generous, so don’t be surprised if you finish quicker than what’s sign posted.
What time to start: The general rule is the earlier the better. This is particularly important if your bushwalk covers a bit of a distance, is graded medium to difficult or you’re unfamiliar with the track. By starting early, it also means you’re not walking when the sun is at its highest point.
Would I recommend this as a fitness workout to a friend?
100% yes. It’s an easy way to get back into exercise and can make a real difference to your fitness and energy levels if you keep it up and walk regularly.
What I liked: The range of tracks, trails, difficulty levels, chance to get away from it all. Option to really get heart rate going by turning the walk into a trail run.
What I didn’t like: If you’re bushwalking by yourself, it can be a bit spooky if you’re on an unfamiliar trail. So bring a friend with you the first time and always let someone know where you are.
What do I rate this fitness workout out of 5?
Fitness 3/5 Strength and toning 2/5
Weight loss 2/5 Wellness (mind, body, soul connection) 5/5
What would I listen to as I bushwalk?
Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa – Scared to be lonely
Has this review got you thinking you might head up to Mt Cootha to check out a trail this weekend? Let me know in the comments box below!
Don’t forget, if there’s a fitness workout you’d like me to review, email hello@askthatfitgirl.com
Till next time, Maryanne K
