The summer weather has arrived here in Minnesota, and because we experience all four seasons, it’s imperative that you get outside and soak up this beautiful weather while it is here. Getting outside and being active is not only enjoyable, but it can also help to improve your foot health by strengthening different muscle groups, boosting your circulation and helping you maintain an optimal weight, which takes stress off your feet.
The Twin Cities has countless outdoor activities that are both enjoyable and physically challenging, and we want to spotlight a few of our favorites. In today’s blog, we share five summer activities in the Twin Cities that can help to improve the overall health of your feet.
Fun Summer Activities In The Twin Cities
Here’s a look at some of our favorite ways to spend a weekend outdoors in the Twin Cities that can also help to improve your foot health.
1. Hike A New Trail – The Twin Cities are far from a concrete jungle, and there are plenty of great hiking trails in the cities and surrounding areas. Check out some of the great hiking trails that the area has to offer. Check out the Winchell Trail, the Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail, the Brickyard Hiking Trail and more! Do a Google search for hiking trails in your area and go out and explore. Just be sure that you slowly work up your hiking distance so as not to overstress your feet as they are adapting to a new activity.
2. Bike Around A Lake – Hop on your bike or rent one for the day and go for a bike ride around one of the many lakes in the greater Twin Cities area, or better yet check out The Chain of Lakes bike route that takes you alongside a number of lakes in the area. Head over to this website to learn about some of the most scenic lakeside bike routes that the Twin Cities has to offer.
3. Walk Along The Mississippi – If walking along a paved path is more your style, we suggest that you check out the Mississippi River Trail. The 620-mile trail passes through the Twin Cities on both sides of the river so you can take in some spectacular views along the way. Learn more about this trail and plan your route on this webpage.
4. Train For The Twin Cities Marathon – Really put your feet to the test by training for the Twin Cities Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, October 1. You can check out some tips for preparing for the marathon, and if a full marathon seems too daunting, consider tackling one of the shorter options. There are also 10-mile, 10K and 5K options so that runners of all skill levels can join in on the fun. Learn more about the race here.
5. Pick Your Own Fruit – Finally, the summer season also means that we are entering “Pick Your Own” fruit season. Strawberry season is starting this week in many locations, and July typically brings ripe blueberries and raspberries to the patch. Follow that up with some apple picking in early fall, and you’ll have plenty of healthy options that you actively harvested yourself! Check out some PYO produce options around the Twin Cities.
We hope you have a wonderfully active summer, and if foot pain develops along the way, give Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot a call today at (952) 224-8500.
