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In the summer months, many of us love to get out and be active in the Hudson Valley. But before hitting your favorite spots this season, make sure you have the right fitness essentials so you can truly enjoy all the Hudson Valley has to offer.
Where to Go Cycling
What to Bring
There are many points you can get on and off the Empire State Trail. Check out the map on the website to find a route that best suites you. While out biking on the trail, it is essential to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. A bottle cage and water bottle store your H2O so it’s not in the way and provide easy access when you need a water break.
Where to Go Hiking
What to Bring
The Ferncliff Forest preserve offers stunning trails, along with a fire tower trail that you can climb up for breathtaking views. Whenever you go hiking, even if it is on a high traffic trail, it is smart to bring a little first aid kit. You don’t want even something as small a blister turning your hike into a nightmare. This first-aid kit has plenty of band aids, antiseptic wipes, and eye wash.
Where to Rollerblade
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
What to bring
Rollerblades and knee/elbow pads
If you are looking to get into rollerblading this summer, the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is a great spot to start. These rollerblades are recommended by Women’s Health magazine as an excellent option for beginners. Before hitting the trail for the first time, it may be useful to invest in knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. After all, it’s a good idea to protect against scrapes or the occasional fall while you work your way up to pro rollerblading status.
Where to Go Running
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland and Poughkeepsie entrances
What to Bring
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a great spot for runners since it is flat and offers gorgeous Hudson River views. Yet to truly admire those views, you have to give up one thing: shade. Protect your eyes while venturing along this popular destination with running sunglasses. These Goodr OG Sunglasses are rated by Runner’s World and offer excellent UV protection. Start using them for running, and they may just become a fitness essential for everything from outdoor volleyball to tennis matches, too.
Where to Hit a Yoga Class
Catskill Mountain Yoga Festival – July 22
What to Bring
Yoga mat and other props
Raegan Reed, owner of The Cardio Club & Delhi Dance Studio and founder of the Catskill Mountain Yoga Festival, offers recommendations for yoga products. For those new to yoga (or even experienced), she says the Gaiam Yoga premium 5 mml thick non-slip mat is a fitness essential. This mat is an affordable option and amazing quality. As for bolsters, yoga blocks, and pillows, yogalifestyle.com offers a great variety. Reed also recommends the brand Lululemon because it produces unbeatable options for yoga clothing.
Related: 5 Beach Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed in the Hudson Valley
