Stress & Exercise
/Volume 1, Issue 5
by Jeremy Liebman, MD
Autumn is here -- the air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and there’s no better time to get outside. It will likely come as no surprise that a sedentary lifestyle negatively impacts mood.1 Whether for a walk, run, or bike ride, Cincinnati offers tons of trails and green space to enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few ideas for taking advantage of these resources (and some tasty bites along the way):
Loveland Bike Trail:
(http://www.lovelandbiketrail.com)
Park at Avoca Park, and it’s about a 13 mile bike ride North along the Little Miami River to Loveland. Stop at Julian’s on the Bike Trail and refuel with a panini or reuben before the ride home!
Otto Armleder Park:
(http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/river-parks/ottoarmleder-park/)
A great place for biking, running, or skating, with or without your four-legged companion. In addition to a two mile loop, several dog runs, and a connector to the Lunken Airport trail, you’ll almost certainly spot some of the more colorful birds that call this park home. Spend your well-earned calories at the Mt. Washington Creamy Whip for some of the best softserve ice cream in the city!
Sharon Woods:
(http://www.greatparks.org/parks/sharon-woods)
With a 2.6 mile trail around a beautiful lake, and a 0.7 mile Gorge trail, this park is especially nice when the leaves are turning. Also dog friendly! On the way back to town, swing by Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta – the closest you’ll get to a true New York slice here in the Queen City.
References
- Edwards M.K., and Loprinzi P.D.: Effects of a sedentary behavior–inducing randomized controlled intervention on depression and mood profile in active young adults. Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91: pp. 984-998
