A scenic 1/3 mile trail located behind the Elizabeth Layton Center
2537 Eisenhower Road in Ottawa, Kansas.
The trail is open everyday during daylight hours to the public.
The best activity to make your heart and lungs strong are aerobic activities including walking and jogging. In order to benefit from aerobic activities, you should do them most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
Facts About Physical Activity
Your body works better when you use it. Physical activity helps your heart, lungs, and muscles work hard, which is the best reason for being active. Other benefits from physical activity are:
- Lowered blood pressure and stress
- Stronger muscles
- More energy and flexibility
- Better posture
|
Benefits of Physical Activity
- Good muscle tone
- Strong heart
- Good circulation
- Good sense of balance
- Prevents joint pain and stiffness
- Sense of mental well-being
- Energy
|
Safety in Physical Activity
- Set realistic goals for yourself. Start with short walking distances and gradually increase.
- Begin and end physical activity with 5-10 minutes of slow activity and stretching exercises. Stretch your muscles slowly, holding each stretch 10-15 seconds.
Do not bounce!
- Know how hard you are working by either monitoring your heart rate or using the “Talk Test” method. You are working too hard if you cannot talk while active.
- Listen to your body! Pain is your body’s way of telling you to slow down or stop.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
- Wear sturdy comfortable shoes and socks to prevent blisters.
- Wear a minimum of light-colored, loose-fitting clothes in hot weather. In cooler weather, layer your clothing to trap heat between layers and remove layers as you feel warm.
- Do not wear ankle weights. The added weight may injure your back and joints.
- If you feel any unusual discomfort during activity, slow down or stop. Stop your exercise and call your doctor if you feel any of the following symptoms: pressure or pain in the chest, arms, or neck; dizziness; nausea.
|
