I
really enjoy walking in nature – breathing the fresh air, hearing the bird’s
sing and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a great hike. Sometimes, though, my legs start 'talking' to
me with these little aches & pains – letting me know that they either went
too far or climbed too many hills!
I
offer to you my fifteen-minute fix for Hill Hiker's Legs:
1.
With your shoes off, roll your right hand into a ball and massage the arch of your
left foot for thirty seconds. Twirl each toe
(yes, I really said that) clockwise three times.
2.
On each side of your left foot, rub around the anklebone in a circle three
times.

4. With your dominant hand, move up your leg two inches at a time,
looking for the tender spots and pressing each one 12 times. The point at the very top of this muscle
closest to the shin is the mostly likely to feel tender, tight or sore. If it doesn't, press it anyway! If no spots
feel tender - hoorah!
5.
Repeat the entire process with the other side of that same leg.
6.
Rub in a circle around your knee, feeling for tender spots. If you find one,
press gently twelve times.
7.
Repeat all these steps with your other leg; check your supplies of sunscreen
& water and begin your trip.
When
you return from your most awesome hiking experience, as the soaking tub is
filling, repeat these steps again. Your
legs will feel so much better and you will, too!