Stay in Shape While Having Fun
Everybody knows the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle. It is promoted in schools, on TV, in magazines, and countless research studies. People who live a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly live longer, have fewer problems with depression, and are happier. And if you happen to be a resident or a regular visitor of Branson, Missouri, you are in luck – this town makes it easy to get in shape! Branson regularly hosts fitness events like 5Ks and the Iron Man Challenge, plus there are lots of great places to hike, bike and more! So get your Branson fitness face on, and get active!
Run: Branson is a great place to be if you are an avid runner, a weekend jogger, or just looking for a good way to exercise. The hills and slopes of the Ozarks make for some great training ground for runners! Many people simply run around the block or on some of the roads in town – lots of things in Branson are within walking distance, which makes them within running distance too! If you choose to run on some of Branson’s busier roads, make sure be observant of vehicle traffic, and wear reflective clothing as a safety precaution, especially when running at night. If you want to make your workout more fun, consider running one of Branson’s many 5K races! The Diva Dash, the Silver Dollar City Roller Coaster Race and the Tanger Outlet 5K are all fun options for runners.
Hike: Not only is hiking a great Branson fitness option, it’s a great way to get back to Nature at the same time! The Branson/Tri-Lakes area is full of great places to hike. Busiek State Park and Wildlife Area, about ten minutes north of Branson on Highway 65, offers some of the best hiking trails around. Each trail has a varying level of difficulty, depending on your personal level of fitness, making it a great workout stop for any outdoor exerciser. If you prefer terrain that is a little more solid and a bit flatter, check out the trails at Table Rock State Park, or the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
Bike: If riding bikes is your idea of Branson fitness, you are in luck! Branson is home to one of the state’s premier mountain biking trail systems. The White River Valley Trail System is nearly twelve miles long, and features four different trail loops, with the Red Loop being the most difficult and technically challenging, and the Blue Loop being one of the best nature watching trails. This trail system features obstacles and terrain of every kind, and is great for the experienced cyclist or someone just easing into the sport. Be sure to wear a protective helmet while mountain biking!
Swim: During the warmer months, there is plenty of water in Branson for you to swim in! Swimming is a great cardio exercise – and it’s also fun! Table Rock State Park offers some nice swimming areas, and Moonshine Beach is a picture perfect swimming cove! Neither swimming area has a lifeguard on duty, so be sure to use proper swimming safety.
With so many different Branson fitness options, you’ll be in shape (or stay in shape!) in no time! So what are you waiting for? Get moving!
