Working out during peak hours can be quite a hassle. From about 4pm to 8pm every weekday, Wilson is packed with avid exercisers, eager to snag a machine and squeeze an hour of exercise into their day. The problem, of course, is that actually snagging a machine can be extremely difficult. During those four hours, every treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bicycle is usually occupied. If you turn your back for even a second, you may end up losing your long-awaited spot.
Of course, one solution to this overcrowding dilemma at Wilson is just to avoid Wilson. It may seem hard to believe, but there are numerous ways to log those minutes of exercise without setting foot in the gym. Next time you don’t feel like fighting the Wilson crowds, consider these ideas in order to get your exercise:
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The Al Buehler (“WaDuke”) Trail: This 2.91-mile loop is located right next to the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, and is great for runners and walkers alike. The trail is undoubtedly hilly, but this terrain adds a little extra burn to your workout. If 2.91 miles isn’t enough for you, try out the fitness trail, which adds about another half-mile to your workout and provides some strength-building exercise.
East Campus Loop: East Campus is home to another great walking/running path. The East Campus Loop is shorter than the Al Buehler trail, clocking in at about 1.5 miles. Although the trail on East still has some hills, you’ll find that the uphill stretches are not nearly as steep as those on the WaDuke trail. If you’re looking to add mileage, try running from East to West (or vice versa); the total distance between the two campuses is 1.7 miles.
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Wallace Wade Track: The track at Wallace Wade is open to the public when not in use by the varsity teams, making it a great alternative to Wilson. The track itself is a world-class surface, playing host to numerous high-profile collegiate meets throughout the year. So if you’re looking to train at the same place where some of the nation’s best train, head on over to Wallace Wade.
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Photo Sources:
http://www.fitness.com/articles/uploaded/1251171634_joggers.jpg
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