Since 1942, organized hiking clubs in Illinois have helped citizens keep fit while they commune with nature. This blends the health benefits of brisk walking with socialization with like-minded enthusiasts. The Illinois Chapter of Team in Training also provides stamina training for athletic events that raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help create a world without cancer.
History
Dr. Andrew A. Gour established the Outdoor Physical Fitness Club in 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He already knew the benefits of exercise, as an exercise regimen begun when he was only 12 helped save him from a sickly childhood. He knew firsthand how exercise brought healing to the body, and this outdoor-loving osteopathic physician created a movement to get a generation of "softies and weaklings" whipped into shape with hikes, games and calisthenics. In January 1950 the name of this ambitious project was changed to the Forest Trails Hiking Club, which celebrated its 60th year in 2002.
Benefits
Walking is a simple, effective way to both lose weight and maintain your goal weight. In fact Dr. Andrew Weil says that walking is the best exercise you can do for your body. It requires no special skill to learn, the only real drawback is that many fail to do it strenuously enough to get the maximum health benefits out of it. The benefit of walking with a group, specifically a hiking club like those in Illinois, is that the pace is quicker - such as a brisk 3 miles per hour - and the distances are longer. With the Forest Trails Hiking Club that can range up to 12 miles.
Geography
Chicago is the home to several hiking clubs. There is the Forest Trails Hiking Club, that also explores other areas of northeastern Illinois. Team in Training has a Chicago chapter to train for run/walk marathons in Illinois and around the world. Chicago is also home to the Chicago Group of the Sierra Club for outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all kinds. The Corn Desert Hiking and Adventure Club offers a hiking club for those in the Decatur area of central Illinois.
Features
Like early pioneer Dr. Andrew A. Gour, groups such as the Chicago Group of the Sierra Club realize that outdoor fitness doesn't have to be exclusive to hiking. The state of Illinois offers the chance to get your heart racing with many outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking and cycling. You can also participate in activities that prepare you for marathons or conservation efforts to clean up the environment.
Considerations
While these clubs welcome you where you are at any fitness level, be aware that you should know your own limitations before you commit to a lengthy hike. The Corn Desert Hiking and Adventure Group recommends that you be able to walk six miles comfortably in order to participate in their hikes. Likewise Forest Trails Hiking Club advises that you are able to complete the designated distances which can reach anywhere from 10 to 12 miles, as there are no drop-off points during these hikes. Membership is not required for you to take part in a Forest Trails designated hike.
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