t’s time to hit the trails and get “back to nature.” The benefits go far beyond pretty scenery and fresh air!
Recent studies show that exercising outdoors beats the gym hands down. Psychologically, people simply feel better after spending time outside. In studies, volunteers who exercised both indoors and outdoors said they felt more energetic, revitalized and engaged - and less tense, angry and depressed – after being outside.
And walking, jogging or cycling outdoors burns more calories than using a treadmill or exercise bike, because of terrain changes and wind resistance.
This state we’re in is full of great places to get fit and enjoy the fresh air. One of the best is the Batona Trail in the Pine Barrens, which was recently lengthened and improved. Now about 53 miles, it’s the longest trail in the Pine Barrens … and one of the longest in the entire state. The name Batona comes from the phrase BAck TO Nature - and that’s exactly where you’ll find yourself!
With its distinctive hot-pink blazes, the Batona Trail has something for everyone, from hard-core hikers to families taking a short stroll. Beginning at Ong’s Hat in Brendan Byrne State Forest and ending at Lake Absegami in Bass River State Forest, the trail intersects several main roads, making it easy to plan treks of different lengths.
As its name origin suggests, the Batona Trail is a nature lover’s paradise, traversing iconic pitch pine forests and passing cedar swamps and old cranberry bogs. Sharp-eyed hikers can spot bald eagles, barred owls, hawks, redheaded woodpeckers, Pine Barrens tree frogs, and pine and corn snakes. There’s a wide variety of Pine Barrens plants, including orchids, huckleberry, sundews, pitcher plants, pyxie moss and sand myrtle.
MICHELE S. BYERS
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/get-back-to-nature-on-batona-trail
Recent studies show that exercising outdoors beats the gym hands down. Psychologically, people simply feel better after spending time outside. In studies, volunteers who exercised both indoors and outdoors said they felt more energetic, revitalized and engaged - and less tense, angry and depressed – after being outside.
And walking, jogging or cycling outdoors burns more calories than using a treadmill or exercise bike, because of terrain changes and wind resistance.
This state we’re in is full of great places to get fit and enjoy the fresh air. One of the best is the Batona Trail in the Pine Barrens, which was recently lengthened and improved. Now about 53 miles, it’s the longest trail in the Pine Barrens … and one of the longest in the entire state. The name Batona comes from the phrase BAck TO Nature - and that’s exactly where you’ll find yourself!
With its distinctive hot-pink blazes, the Batona Trail has something for everyone, from hard-core hikers to families taking a short stroll. Beginning at Ong’s Hat in Brendan Byrne State Forest and ending at Lake Absegami in Bass River State Forest, the trail intersects several main roads, making it easy to plan treks of different lengths.
As its name origin suggests, the Batona Trail is a nature lover’s paradise, traversing iconic pitch pine forests and passing cedar swamps and old cranberry bogs. Sharp-eyed hikers can spot bald eagles, barred owls, hawks, redheaded woodpeckers, Pine Barrens tree frogs, and pine and corn snakes. There’s a wide variety of Pine Barrens plants, including orchids, huckleberry, sundews, pitcher plants, pyxie moss and sand myrtle.
MICHELE S. BYERS
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/get-back-to-nature-on-batona-trail
