Fall, Time for Hiking

                Fall is a beautiful time of year to watch the leaves turn colors and to do some hiking. Since I look for things to do with little to no cost involved, this is a fun thing to do close to home. Going for walks or hiking trails is a great way to get outside and get some exercise. There are so many different places to go see close to home or within a half day's drive for little to no cost involved. Our family likes to hike and walk trails close to home. Now that the weather is getting a little cooler, now’s the time to find your joy outside. Walking is a great way to keep fit and healthy. So I will show you some places we go  hiking and walking on some trails.

                The first place we go is around our pond and out back. We live on a 10-acre farm and my husband makes trails with our riding lawn mower on the back of our lot. If you need some quiet time to yourself, this is a great way to unwind close to home and just walk. It’s so peaceful to just walk in and between the little trails he made. My husband also jogs back there for quiet, time to think and unwind from a hard day’s work. Even if you do not have 10 acres of land, just take a walk around your block to get some much-needed exercise.

                The one place we go the most is Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha. This is right next to my husband’s office. During our lunch break we just walk through the trails where nature is just plain beautiful. For a park in the town, this sure seems like you are out in the woods walking. There are deer , squirrels, frogs and a whole bunch more kinds of animals to see. Check out the main entrance for mounted animals, live fish, snakes, and a very old turtle. This park offers kids classes, a kids outdoor play area and an indoor area just for kids to sit and learn and read. This park is open year-round so you can enjoy the trails even in the winter.

                Once a year we take a half day trip to Horicon Marsh to see the birds and more. They have several trails to walk and explore, plus a great little hands on museum, at the visitor’s station. This place has a little admission fee . The price for Kids $4 dollars, Adults $6 dollars. We pack a lunch and enjoy it right outside in their picnic area. Enjoy the day together with your family seeing nature at it’s best.

                If you are a State park kind of person, check out High Cliff in Sherwood. The bluffs are breath taking, and fun to walk through. Once in a while, they have an open park day where you don’t have to pay. Check online  for days and times for free entrance. If you are an avid hiker, you may want to invest in a State park sticker. In Wisconsin the stickers cost $28 dollars for a whole year, Seniors 65 and over only cost $13 dollars.

                Hiking in State parks and other trails is fun and very good for your health. You don’t have to spend any money to go through some pretty nice hiking trails. Check on the internet for different places to hike and enjoy the great outdoors. These are just a few places that we like to hike through to enjoy nature and watch the leaves turn colors. This would be a great outing to do with the grandchildren. Enjoy the Fall weather while you can, because Winter is going to be here soon. Finding places to hike close to home or work is a great way to save money from Suzie Homemaker.

                

Gym Memberships, are they worth it?

Gym memberships, are they worth it? This is a personal choice you have to make.  I am going to give you my opinion on having a gym membership. Yes, gym memberships can be very expensive, but think of your health and all the benefits a gym can do for you.

The first thing you need to do is check out as many different gyms as possible. All gyms are different and offer different types of classes and equipment to work out on. Go online and check out reviews on the gym. We found out the hard way on this one, even though the membership was cheaper the place was dirty and the machines were not maintained very well. Ask for a day pass to try out the gym and classes first before getting a membership.

Second if you are a person who needs an extra push to exercise try a personal trainer. The gym that we decided to go to has excellent trainers for an extra fee.  If this is something you would like the staff will recommend a trainer that they feel will fit best with your needs and personality. The staff will take you on a tour of the gym and explain all the equipment and classes that are available.

Third check out the classes that are available, most start early in the morning and go until early evening.  I love the classes they offer like Zumba, Spin, TRX, Yoga, and several more to choose from. The gym we decided on Is Lakepark Swim & Fitness. They greet you with a smile and call you by your name every time you enter the place. Most people stay afterwards for the free coffee and social hour. Everybody is so friendly and helpful at this gym.

Fourth, think of your health and all the benefits exercising can do for you. Working out 2 to 4 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour can improve your health tremendously. Exercising can make you feel and look better too. In a previous blog I wrote about earning extra cash by doing surveys, well this is how I pay for my gym membership .Even if you do not want to go to a gym just walking, jogging or biking is a great way to get some exercise. Be healthy and happy from Suzie Homemaker.