by Michael Tricca
Staff Writer

A person doesn’t need organized sports to stay in shape. Many solo activities are enjoyable, engaging, and very healthy.

Walking

Perhaps the simplest thing to do is go for a nice walk. A good (at least) thirty-minute walk walk a day is quite effective in burning calories, and with the lovely scenery we have around town, walking gives you a chance to just enjoy the local sights. Perhaps its main advantage is that walking costs nothing and you can do it anywhere. Jogging and running are other similar activities.

Good places for it:

Stone Arch Bridge

Tom Paul Trail

Grassy Pond

Cycling

Biking is excellent as both a recreational and transportational sport. Biking can also be very relaxing (though you still must be careful to pay attention to the road) and is also an effective method for burning calories. It provides a faster-paced, more distance-efficient alternative to walking or jogging. The only hurdle might be the price: a good hybrid (multi-purpose) bike can cost anywhere from $200-$900. Bicycles can be found at most major sporting goods retailers, and some stores even specialize in selling them and related equipment. Don’t forget a helmet! Many cost $40 or more.

Good places for it: All around town.

Nearby retailers: RJ Bradley’s Ski-Board-Bike http://rjbradleys.com/index.html

Yoga
Yoga may be overlooked when it comes to exercise. How do stretches burn calories? Many yoga positions require the to support part of or their entire body weight. These maneuvers also focus on breathing and mental control, being excellent at reducing stress. Yoga typically requires no specialized clothing (though some articles, such as yoga or sweat pants may help), and a yoga mat, which can cost as little as about $20, is the only item that comes close to counting as a necessity.

Good places for it:

Right at home, just give yourself some space to work with. A local place to get started is New England Yoga, at http://www.neyoga.com/ It costs $16 to “drop in” on a class, though different deals are available if you’re looking to do multiple sessions.

Skiing
An excellent winter sport would have to include cross-country skiing. It is enjoyable and, like walking or biking, allows one to appreciate the outdoors. The only, quite substantial hurdle would have to be the cost. An average pair of skis ranges from $400-$900. Add the cost of the specialized boots, poles, skiing can require an investment in the thousands. If you are uninterested in purchasing your own pair of skis, boots, and poles, rentals are available for a more manageable price.

Good places for it:

Nashoba Valley Ski Area- http://www.skinashoba.com/

You can also rent all necessary equipment from Nashoba for $38 per day.

Whichever path you choose, exercise for at least half an hour a day can help aid mental health, reduce the risk of type two diabetes, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. (http://www.startwalkingnow.org/whystart_benefits_walking.jsp)