Grand Central Park is Good for Your Health

It’s February — how are those New Year’s resolutions to exercise more coming along? If the answer is not well, you aren’t alone. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of us will have given up on them by mid-February. That is, unless you are a Grand Central Park resident whose access to more than 8 miles of pathways & nature trails keeps you fit with no effort at all.

Walking and hiking offers great health benefits, and you don’t even feel like you are exercising. Take a look at all the good things that happen when you take a hike.

Get Your Cardio On

A simple walk is great for your cardiovascular health, but a hike along forested nature trails is even better. One mile of hiking burns, on average, more than 500 calories and can improve your blood pressure, lower your risk of heart disease and decrease cholesterol levels. Walking The Grandeur, our system of nature trails, will get your heart pumping while you enjoy all of the beauty around you.

Less Impact, More Muscle

Trails tend to be easier on your joints than other workouts, particularly pounding along on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt, so you are more likely to keep doing it. At the same time, you will build more muscle because walking on uneven terrain forces you to shift your weight and keep your balance. Couple that with fitness stations like the one at our newly opened Twilight Park and you’ll be buff in no time.

Your Brain Gets a Workout, Too

Any physical exercise is good for your brain, but a walk or hike outdoors challenges your brain. Without going into too much detail, hiking requires you to use spatial navigation and focus your attention.

Enhance Your Creativity

Several studies have shown that spending time outdoors can increase your creativity by as much as 50 percent. Part of the reason for that might just be that hiking forces you to unplug from technology so you can enjoy the surrounding beauty. A great place in our community to unplug is “Somewhere in Time,” a particularly beautiful spot on The Grandeur where you can relax and be fully present.

Encourages You to Challenge Yourself

Walking or hiking helps you feel better physically so you are ready to take on more fitness challenges, like kayaking on Deer Lake or biking over to 336 Marketplace. Once The Lake House is open, our residents will be able to build muscle in our exercise room or stretch themselves at yoga classes.

It’s Easy to Stay Fit at Grand Central Park

Is there an easy way to get out and hike for your health? Yes, just make the move to Grand Central Park. You’ll get a beautiful home and the hiking trails are just outside your front door. Come see us and The Grandeur today.