Laguna Beach City Guide 2016 | Page 17

30-Minute Excursion

FOR A MORE INTENSIVE ROUTE , TRY THIS INCLINED TREK THAT STARTS AT DARTMOOR STREET AND CLIMBS UP SPUR RIDGE , RECOMMENDED BY TIME DEFIANCE FITNESS OWNER DR . JACK LYNN .
Start : Trail Head Free parking is available on Dartmoor Street .
Point 2 : Hairpin Turn Make a left at the top of the ridge .
Finish : Benches Admire the views of the Pacific Ocean .
Dr . Jack Lynn hikes Spur Ridge for a 30-minute walk with panoramic views of Laguna Beach .
keeping a heart rate at 65 to 80 percent of maximum for your age — which is calculated by multiplying the percentage by 220 minus your age — is optimal for an older walker . For younger participants , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) defines a brisk pace as 3 miles per hour . It is essential for people — no matter their age — to stretch before , during and after taking a jaunt at a quick gait in order to get the most out of the exercise .
“ Many people have — through sporting activities , injuries , genetics , et cetera — compromised joint structures , and each individual should evaluate their healthy capabilities before engaging in a walking exercise program ,” Lynn says . “ Some basics are to not walk so fast that you can ’ t carry on a continued conversation .”
He says beginners should write out their goals and wear a heart monitor , as well as download phone apps that track
walking distance and provide maps . The city itself offers a diverse landscape for changing up your routine .
“ Laguna has every type of terrain available for any type of walking experience ,” he says , mentioning level beaches with hard-packed or loose sand as well as rolling hills and steep trails .
SWEAT WHILE SIGHT-SEEING
In addition to varied terrain , the city offers myriad visual treats — a perk fully realized by local Janelle Naess through her company Laguna Beach Walks , which combines the health benefits of brisk walking with the
pleasures of sightseeing in Laguna . “ For me , the benefits of walking in Laguna Beach are that I can get exercise while watching the sun set over the ocean , pass amazing works of art , and chat with locals and visitors I encounter ,” Naess says . “ Being out and enjoying this charming seaside town is a great way [ to ] build community and appreciate this historic artist colony .”
Through Laguna Beach Walks , Naess offers maps for a variety of free self-guided walking tours . A popular one is set in Heisler Park , where guests can stroll along landscaped paths and take in the scenic ocean views , artwork ,
SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE 17