With the arrival of a new year many of us have made New Year's Resolutions, and at this point in the new year many of us have already broken them. Fitness and weight-loss always seem to be popular resolutions and there are few better ways to achieve these goals than by doing more hiking.
I find that when I begin to hike more often I lose weight gradually without really noticing. Our mountains are ideal for the reluctant fitness enthusiast. While there are certainly places that provide a heart pumping challenge, most of our mountains are content stand by and watch us romp up and down their rolling ridges.
That is because our mountains are old. They are the venerated elders of the mountain family. I have heard several people swear that our area of Appalachia is the oldest place in the world, and I am not sure I can argue with that. Years before anyone you have ever heard of was born, the mountains were here and they were ancient. They have born witness to the comings and goings of countless New Years.
No matter what this new year brings, and even if you have already broken your resolutions, head out and greet the mountains. They will understand if you are a little out of shape as you explore the hollows and work your way up to the viewpoints. Walk with them awhile and you might find that your resolution to be in better shape is quietly keeping itself.
Jason Nanz comes to Montreat from Roanoke, VA. He is a 2006 graduate of Roanoke College, an Eagle Scout, long-time Montreat Ranger and a highly experienced outdoorsman. Jason runs Montreat's Wilderness School and can be reached at montreatwilderness@gmail.com
I find that when I begin to hike more often I lose weight gradually without really noticing. Our mountains are ideal for the reluctant fitness enthusiast. While there are certainly places that provide a heart pumping challenge, most of our mountains are content stand by and watch us romp up and down their rolling ridges.
That is because our mountains are old. They are the venerated elders of the mountain family. I have heard several people swear that our area of Appalachia is the oldest place in the world, and I am not sure I can argue with that. Years before anyone you have ever heard of was born, the mountains were here and they were ancient. They have born witness to the comings and goings of countless New Years.
No matter what this new year brings, and even if you have already broken your resolutions, head out and greet the mountains. They will understand if you are a little out of shape as you explore the hollows and work your way up to the viewpoints. Walk with them awhile and you might find that your resolution to be in better shape is quietly keeping itself.
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Jason Nanz comes to Montreat from Roanoke, VA. He is a 2006 graduate of Roanoke College, an Eagle Scout, long-time Montreat Ranger and a highly experienced outdoorsman. Jason runs Montreat's Wilderness School and can be reached at montreatwilderness@gmail.com








