Here are some of my favorite beautiful places in North Carolina's Triangle area to enjoy a healthy walk. All of them have free admission and are open year-round. Wake County William B. Umstead State Park – There’s something for everyone at this expansive park. It offers 22 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian and mountain biking. Trailheads on both sides of the park—accessible from Continue Reading
Photo tour: A gorgeous spring walk at Duke Gardens
On a lovely mid-April Saturday, I went to one of the best places in this part of North Carolina for a beautiful spring walk: Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Located on the campus of Duke University in Durham, this gorgeous facility boasts 55 acres, and five miles of walking paths on a varied terrain. The Gardens are comprised of four sections: Historic Gardens, Doris Duke Center and Gardens, H.L. Continue Reading
Photo tour: A winter hike at Blackwood Farm Park in Hillsborough, NC
Today, my son and I took the opportunity of a beautiful, mild Saturday morning to visit one of Orange County's newer parks, Blackwood Farm Park. Located next to I-40 between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, N.C., the park is 152 acres of forest trails and open spaces situated on an historic farm property. There are currently four miles of hiking trails, a picnic shelter with tables, and a pond Continue Reading
Working with ABC11 to spread a positive message of health and fitness
I'm honored to be collaborating with ABC11 as the health and fitness contributor to abc11.com, as part of their new community influencers initiative called ABC11 Together. I'll be contributing articles and video content to their site. Here are my first two: 5 keys to help you keep your New Year's Resolutions How to stay fit and healthy on your holiday trip Last week, I did a Continue Reading
Celebrating two years of the CPT credential
This week, I celebrated renewing my Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential for another two years. The credential expires and to maintain it one must complete 20 hours of approved Continuing Education Units. It's basically a never-ending learning process...as it should be in this field. I've come a LONG way. As you may know, I'm a weight loss success story. Fitness made such a difference Continue Reading
Tranquility in 30 minutes: A quick forest hike at Eno River State Park
The Japanese have a term, Shinrin-yoku, that means “forest bathing” — a visit to the forest for relaxation, a chance to stroll through nature and take in the atmosphere for one’s well-being. Walking in the forest is refreshing for your body and soul. On an early morning in late October, my son and I took a walk at Eno River State Park. We didn't have much time, because he had an Continue Reading