To promote healthy lifestyles and combat the rising trend of obesity and inactivity in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Americans get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week. This can happen in a number of ways: walking or biking to work, running errands on foot instead of by car, or taking a quick bike ride or stroll through a park. The CDC’s emphasis is less on grueling workouts at the gym, and more on encouraging Americans to be active during their everyday lives.
Trails play an important role in achieving the CDC’s recommendation. Trails not only provide a designated place to walk and bike; we are also much more likely to exercise and be active when safe, welcoming environments like trails are available.
