Weight loss resolutions represent the number one commitment people make each year.
Now more people than ever are attracted to walkable communities with recreational amenities to help melt away those pounds.
The National Center for Health Statistics show more than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity (NCHS 2015). Overweight conditions don’t just present a diabetes and heart disease risk for adults. There is now what some consider a near epidemic of childhood obesity cases growing nationwide. Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6-19) has obesity (Center for Disease and Control 2017). This should be very alarming to parents, educators and city leaders.
Of all resolutions people could commit to weight loss is the most challenging. Especially if now in a sedentary and obese state. The good news for those living in walkable communities like Tigard, OR, city leaders support Form Based urban city design and development that incorporates connected sidewalk pathways, trail systems and safe routes to school that motivate people to walk more than ever before.
As a former city councilor I fully support Tigard’s strong vision to become the most walkable community in the Pacific Northwest where people of all ages and abilities enjoy healthy and interconnected lives. I understand how public walk ways draw people outdoors and onto trail systems and parks to play, spend leisurely time and exercise and enjoy family time.
Recently I published an article Recreation Saves Lives and Cities. Within the article I show how walkable communities who invest in recreational facilities and other amenities are desired by residents. And how these investments attract, retain and sustain affordable housing and city services. Click on the link above and learn how recreation saves lives and cities.
Although walking in nature and observing cute critters along the way is a motivating in itself to walk more… It is also the connections to other neighborhoods and marketplaces, parks and other green space that motivates bodies to stay in motion.
A major study shows when city urban designers and architects work together to improve human life, “design of urban environments has the potential to contribute substantially to physical activity and reduce the health burden of the global physical inactivity pandemic” [The Lancet, Volume 387, No. 10034, p2207-2217, 28 May 2016]. Like many others motivated to walk in similar environments, I find walkable city sidewalks and trail connections motivational enough to walk them everyday to stay fit healthy.
If you’ve not taken the opportunity with family or friends to walk, jog or ride a bike along Fanno Creek Regional Trail System in Tigard, Oregon, I highly recommend it. This is a very relaxing way to get a little exercise while taking in nature’s beauty.
Along the way be sure to spend a little time walking Down Town Tigard, visit the local shops like Bailey’s organic burgers, fries and milkshake to fuel the body and continue exploration on the Fanno Creek trail system.
If you’d like to experience Tigard’s “Fanno Creek Regional Trail System” Prepare first by planning your walk or bike route using a printable Fanno Creek Regional Trail System Map.
Tigard has many neighborhood connections within Fanno Creek regional trail system. Learn how to explore and make use of safe pedestrian friendly walk loops to other interesting places from your own back yard. Also learn more about Tigard walk day events by visiting the city’s Tigard walks web page. Here you can meet and participate in low aerobics walking exercise in the company of other Tigard residents.
Good Health to You and Your Family!
Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. Is a member of the Tigard City Council. He is a strong proponent of City involvement in providing recreational opportunities for its residents. 2017 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org
