Okeeheelee Park North Fit Trail Social Walk/Run Every Sunday at 8AM

Join us for an outdoor social walking, running, conversing, and exploring movement experience.

RSVP, click Attend, and stay connected for important event updates.

When the body moves the mind grooves.
Exercise, fitness, and staying healthy doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you are a beginner or advanced walker/runner, come join us.
You can walk/run at your own pace and meet new friends in a welcoming space.

Event: Okeeheelee Park North Fit Trail Social Walk/Run Every Sunday at 8AM
Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
Meeting location: Meet by the park bench in front of the restrooms. Easy to find. This is not the bathrooms next to the tennis courts. Other side.
Rain or Shine.
IMPORTANT! Okeeheelee Park has a North and South side. Please review and familiarize yourself with the South side entrance and parking. Any questions please ask. Thank you.

About Okeeheelee Park North Fitness Trail: (FREE)
-This is a very well-maintained and accessible park that is great for the whole family. This is primarily a mulched trail with options to connect to paved trails as well. Almost every station has a bench which is very helpful for rest or for those who want to enjoy their surroundings. The path is mostly shaded with trees along the way.
-Starting area has public restrooms
-Moderate
-Terrain is a combination of woodchips and grass.)
-Trail length 1.0 mile
-Loop trail
-Average time 17 min
-The goal is to complete 1 to 3 loops.
-Workout stations optional. Some times we will only complete 1 loop within 60 minutes stopping at each station.
-Grassy hill climbs are optional. Amazing hill in the middle that we encourage the use of.
-Waited carry optional.

Important safety and security information:
Park Ranger: (561) 252-1714

Any medical conditions others should be made aware of? i.e. Allergic to bees.

Don't forget some essentials:
-Water wicking clothing
-Hat
-Sunglasses
-Hiking shoes/boots or trail shoes for runners
-Plenty of hydration
-Pre/Post nutritional needs
-Sunscreen/Sun protection
-Bug repellent
-Towel for vehicle seat after (incase it rains)
-Change of clothes after (incase it rains)

About this 'Weighted Carry optional':
Walking is good, but we need more. Naturally, with age, muscle mass declines along with physical activity, predisposing one to lowered hand grip strength. Research has shown that hand grip strength is a significant predictor of mortality. Studies have consistently demonstrated a strong association between weak grip strength and faster aging. It can also be a warning sign for a higher risk of chronic diseases, even shorter life expectancy.

Start with a light comfortably uncomfortable weight. Something that is challenging but manageable and ultimately beneficial.

One weight is called a Suitcase Carry.
Two weights is called a Farmer Carry.

Why not a weighted vest? While a weighted vest can potentially enhance a walking workout by adding resistance, using one for long-distance walking is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of joint strain and injury, particularly on your knees, hips, and lower back, caused by the extra weight placed on your body over a prolonged period; it can also lead to discomfort and potential overheating, especially in warmer weather.

The idea is to carry a bit of weight to increase your heart rate and calorie burn without adding so much weight that it causes changes to your posture or stride. Researchers have shown that limiting handheld weights to one to three pounds may impart benefits without causing injuries.

The suitcase carry exercise has many benefits, including:
-Improved balance and stability: Strengthens the core, shoulders, and grip, which can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
-Better posture and spinal alignment: Carrying weights asymmetrically can help alleviate back pain and enhance mobility.
-Increased functional strength: Can make tasks like lifting groceries or carrying luggage easier.
-Improved bone density and muscle mass: Can help maintain independence and vitality as you age.
-Better grip strength: The suitcase carry is a useful move for improving grip strength.
-Increased shoulder stability: The suitcase carry works your shoulders.
-Prepares you for more advanced exercises: The suitcase carry can prepare you for more advanced exercises, such as the farmer's carry.
-Trains both sides of your body: The suitcase carry allows you to train both sides of your body unilaterally.
-Exposes weak points: The suitcase carry is good at exposing weak points and showing your body what needs to build strength and endurance.
The suitcase carry is a compound exercise that works your upper body, lower body, and midsection. It's considered an isometric and isotonic exercise.

Movement. It's so much more than exercise. It's a catalyst for positive change, and it affects every aspect of our lives.
Nature and Nurture. Allow natural settings to be a places of nurture. To be present, experience life, aloneness, and create new connections.
Both gratitude practice and being in natural settings are ways for us to abide more naturally in a sense of open-hearted connection.
Connection. Humans did not rise to the level of society we have today by living a solo existence. And we did not rise by lack of movement either.
Let's learn to play again, and bring others with us.

Together. Each connection represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this connection that a new world is born. The more connections we make, experience we create, the more we have to offer.

"Surround yourself with people who have the habits you want to have yourself. You’ll rise together." -James Clear

Health is the community we keep 🫶

Aspire to move, move to inspire.

#LiveItBeAwesome