7 Ways to Make Your River’s Edge Trail Walk a Serious Workout

When it comes to the River's Edge Trail in Great Falls, Montana, you may think more of beauty than health.  But they both work hand in hand together on more than 70 miles of trails that intertwine across the Electric City and more.

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If you want to add a little pep to the step, there are some easy ways to not just view the great scenery of the trail or dams while walking.  In fact, these tips will work anytime you slide the walkers or sneakers on to hit the sidewalk or the trail.

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7 Ways to Make Your River's Edge Trail Walk a Serious Workout

The great things about these tips for me is not having to buy anything extra for the walk.  No weights to carry, no fancy watch to keep track of things.  It's just you and the outdoors challenging one another.

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For instance, try bending your arms to around a 90-degree angle and pump them naturally.  It engages the upper body, helps improve balance and it will increase the number of calories that you are burning.

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Depending on how far you walk, try picking up your pace for one minute.  5-minute intervals work well as the short bursts help in making your heart and lungs work a little extra and keep them healthy.  Plus, you won't feel overwhelmed trying to keep an upbeat pace the entire time.

Find a Hill or Change the Route Up; More Tips for Healthy Walking in Great Fall

Boosting your burn on the evening walk can mean just finding a walk with hills.  Which isn't very hard in Great Falls.  Or even change your route up to keep boredom at bay.  Checking new parks, trails or neighborhoods also engages your brain and might even make you walk further than intended.

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To keep strain to a minimum, try standing tall and looking straight ahead while on your walk.  Your lungs operate more efficiently and will reduce the stain on your neck and your back.

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If you try walking briskly for one minute, try to set goals with landmarks.  You can challenge yourself to walk faster to the next street sign, end of a block and more.

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Finally, finish your walk strong.  I relate this to a horse being ridden home when I was a kid.  The closer they would get to the corral and home, the faster they wanted to go, no matter how tired.  Try to increase your pace slightly the last few minutes of the walk, it will help with your overall endurance each time you do.