Walk on!
BY MARY RAFFETTO
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Have you gone for a nice, vigorous walk lately? If you walk regularly you probably already know that walking helps significantly to improve many health issues, if not prevent them altogether.
In fact, three basic variables will predict your best results: pace, distance and frequency. That means that if you can walk quickly, go far enough, and walk often enough, you will maximize the great health benefits of walking!
A recent Harvard study showed that walking is good for your heart:
Achieving a moderate pace (3 mph) for up to 3 hours a week – or 30 minutes a day – can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%. This is the same benefit you would get from aerobics, jogging, or other vigorous exercise. The benefits to men are comparable. Walking does a heart good, but that’s just the beginning.
It also:
• improves circulation
• helps breathing
• combats depression
• bolsters the immune system
• helps prevent osteoporosis
• helps prevent and control diabetes
• helps control both weight and blood pressure
For many, walking simply to enjoy nature is its own best reward. Luckily, San Joaquin County has many beautiful locations for doing exactly that. Some are free, others cost just a few dollars to get in, and many are dog-friendly, so consider bringing your pooch and getting your exercise together!
University of the Pacific
Pacific Avenue and Stadium Way
Right in the middle of Stockton is one of the most diverse, beautiful walks you will enjoy. Begin at Burns Tower and meander your way through the campus. Create your own path by enjoying the aroma of beautiful rose gardens, ivy-covered brick buildings, and the new construction that blends thoughtfully with the original architecture. Take the bridge over the Calaveras River to enjoy the natural beauty along the levee trails, and then wind back through the campus off of Pershing Avenue and back to Burns Tower. Especially lovely early mornings.
Lodi Lake, Turner Road, Lodi
The nature trail is a pleasant loop that lets hikers experience the wonderful sights, sounds, and scents to be found in the Mokelumne River riparian area. Lodi takes much care to preserve this important ecological area with its 58-acre nature area. Begin with the murals at the trailhead. Walk straight ahead on the asphalt-paved pathway. Once the trail runs out, you can continue on the exercise trail to make a loop around the park and along the former river channel. Walk past the outdoor theater that is set in a grove of coastal redwoods.
Cosumnes River PreserveI-5 and Twin Cities Road, Galt
Hike established trails through willows, oaks and marsh while viewing any of the over 200 bird species known to use this site for resting or residence along the Cosumnes River. A paradise for birdwatchers. Interesting walking trails.
For more information call 916-684-2816
Oak Grove Regional Park
I-5 and Eight Mile Road
Enjoy a 1.5 mile trail with spectacular views of this beautiful park’s living example of the valley oak woodlands that once covered much of San Joaquin County. There is also a quarter-mile handicapped-accessible trail. Over 1,500 oak trees tower throughout this 180-acre park, providing natural landscape and shade to the other native species. The Oaks Nature Center, open weekends 12 noon to 4 pm, displays flora and fauna native to San Joaquin County. Located just east of I-5 on Eight Mile Road.
For more information call 209-953-8814 or visit parks@sjgov.org
Barkleyville
5505 Feather River Drive
Stockton’s first off-leash dog park consists of four acres built specifically for dogs to socialize and exercise safely. Features a play/agility course and separate areas to keep large dogs away from small ones. Open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Closed Tuesday mornings for mowing and maintenance. There is also a convenient levee trail that if followed south will take you to the Calaveras River.
Walking/biking trails at Eagal Lakes Sports Resort
This private sports resort east of Tracy has designated half of the property to the restoration of wildlife and development of nature trails. The five miles of hiking and running trails are ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Simply stroll and savor the breathtaking scenery of the outdoors, go for a great run while enjoying the varying hills, or get on your mountain bike and challenge yourself! A private resort, you must call ahead to reserve your Saturday morning spot.
For more information call 209-477-4543
Caswell Memorial State Park, Ripon
Route 99 to Austin Road exit
Located along the Stanislaus River near the town of Ripon, this 258-acre park protects a fine example of increasingly rare riparian oak woodland, which once flourished throughout California’s Central Valley. The river meanders through the park, and seemingly endless nature trails allow a glimpse of what the riparian ecosystem of the valley would have looked like in pristine times. A majestic oak forest is surrounded by many other lush plant species, some of which are rarely found anywhere else in the area.
For more information call 209-599-3810
In fact, three basic variables will predict your best results: pace, distance and frequency. That means that if you can walk quickly, go far enough, and walk often enough, you will maximize the great health benefits of walking!
A recent Harvard study showed that walking is good for your heart:
Achieving a moderate pace (3 mph) for up to 3 hours a week – or 30 minutes a day – can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%. This is the same benefit you would get from aerobics, jogging, or other vigorous exercise. The benefits to men are comparable. Walking does a heart good, but that’s just the beginning.
It also:
• improves circulation
• helps breathing
• combats depression
• bolsters the immune system
• helps prevent osteoporosis
• helps prevent and control diabetes
• helps control both weight and blood pressure
For many, walking simply to enjoy nature is its own best reward. Luckily, San Joaquin County has many beautiful locations for doing exactly that. Some are free, others cost just a few dollars to get in, and many are dog-friendly, so consider bringing your pooch and getting your exercise together!
University of the Pacific
Pacific Avenue and Stadium Way
Right in the middle of Stockton is one of the most diverse, beautiful walks you will enjoy. Begin at Burns Tower and meander your way through the campus. Create your own path by enjoying the aroma of beautiful rose gardens, ivy-covered brick buildings, and the new construction that blends thoughtfully with the original architecture. Take the bridge over the Calaveras River to enjoy the natural beauty along the levee trails, and then wind back through the campus off of Pershing Avenue and back to Burns Tower. Especially lovely early mornings.
Lodi Lake, Turner Road, Lodi
The nature trail is a pleasant loop that lets hikers experience the wonderful sights, sounds, and scents to be found in the Mokelumne River riparian area. Lodi takes much care to preserve this important ecological area with its 58-acre nature area. Begin with the murals at the trailhead. Walk straight ahead on the asphalt-paved pathway. Once the trail runs out, you can continue on the exercise trail to make a loop around the park and along the former river channel. Walk past the outdoor theater that is set in a grove of coastal redwoods.
Cosumnes River PreserveI-5 and Twin Cities Road, Galt
Hike established trails through willows, oaks and marsh while viewing any of the over 200 bird species known to use this site for resting or residence along the Cosumnes River. A paradise for birdwatchers. Interesting walking trails.
For more information call 916-684-2816
Oak Grove Regional Park
I-5 and Eight Mile Road
Enjoy a 1.5 mile trail with spectacular views of this beautiful park’s living example of the valley oak woodlands that once covered much of San Joaquin County. There is also a quarter-mile handicapped-accessible trail. Over 1,500 oak trees tower throughout this 180-acre park, providing natural landscape and shade to the other native species. The Oaks Nature Center, open weekends 12 noon to 4 pm, displays flora and fauna native to San Joaquin County. Located just east of I-5 on Eight Mile Road.
For more information call 209-953-8814 or visit parks@sjgov.org
Barkleyville
5505 Feather River Drive
Stockton’s first off-leash dog park consists of four acres built specifically for dogs to socialize and exercise safely. Features a play/agility course and separate areas to keep large dogs away from small ones. Open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Closed Tuesday mornings for mowing and maintenance. There is also a convenient levee trail that if followed south will take you to the Calaveras River.
Walking/biking trails at Eagal Lakes Sports Resort
This private sports resort east of Tracy has designated half of the property to the restoration of wildlife and development of nature trails. The five miles of hiking and running trails are ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Simply stroll and savor the breathtaking scenery of the outdoors, go for a great run while enjoying the varying hills, or get on your mountain bike and challenge yourself! A private resort, you must call ahead to reserve your Saturday morning spot.
For more information call 209-477-4543
Caswell Memorial State Park, Ripon
Route 99 to Austin Road exit
Located along the Stanislaus River near the town of Ripon, this 258-acre park protects a fine example of increasingly rare riparian oak woodland, which once flourished throughout California’s Central Valley. The river meanders through the park, and seemingly endless nature trails allow a glimpse of what the riparian ecosystem of the valley would have looked like in pristine times. A majestic oak forest is surrounded by many other lush plant species, some of which are rarely found anywhere else in the area.
For more information call 209-599-3810