So, it’s 2013 and, so far, you can count yourself among the Pennsylvanians who are doing all the right things when it comes to keeping their resolutions. You’re eating right, sleeping well, cutting out the soda and other sweets, and hitting the gym on the daily.

All that aside, you’re starting to feel boredom set in. The unhealthy glow of fluorescents off dull gray gym walls has, unsurprisingly, lost its luster. Not to mention all those folks who lack the home raising to understand simple rules like “Wipe off your machines” and “Showers aren’t places to make friends.” You want to keep up on your exercise, but the idea of being stuck in the gym for the next 300 some-odd days is enough to make you re-inhabit your couch in defeat with a gallon of Ben and Jerry’s resting at the peak of your newly regained belly.

However, there is another way. There are plenty of day trips that health-conscious Pennsylvanians can embark upon to break out of the exercise doldrums.

Northeast PA: Lake Wallenpaupack

For those who call the area around the Poconos home, this gargantuan man-made lake is the perfect place to break out of your training rut. Located in rural Hawley, Lake Wallenpauk boasts 52 miles of shoreline among its many features. If you are a runner, the area around the lake contains hundreds of acres criss-crossed with hiking trails. If you’d prefer a scenic upper-body workout, the coastline is dotted with a number of kayak and canoe rental shacks.

Great Lakes Region: Clear Lake Trail

Nestled just off Route 77 on the northern end of Spartansburg is one of the strangest trails you could ever hope to come across. The Clear Lake Trail is an abandoned stretch of Penn Central railroad that has been repurposed into an 8 mile-long slice of runner’s paradise. Enjoy the sites as you trek along this path past woods, operational Amish farms, wetlands that lead into the Great Lakes, and Branch Oil Creek. One thing is for certain, it beats the pants off a treadmill.

Alleghenies Region: Conemaugh Gap

The Conemaugh Gap is an impressive natural landmark that is worth seeing even without the exercise (it is possible to drive almost all the way up to the gap, but where’s the fun in that?) However, if you want a sense of reward along with your impressive views, take the seven-mile-long Laurel Highlands Trail that winds through the surrounding mountains. At the top, you’ll be treated to a view of the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. Seeing the 1,350-ft. deep gorge is the perfect prize after going on a long run, a pastime that can sometimes seem to have too few rewards.

Pittsburgh Area: Armstrong Trail

This trail that sits about an hour outside Pittsburgh in Kittanning, offers runners scenic valley views while also providing a dash of history. Alongside the natural beauty of the area, trekkers will find a resort hotel gone to ruin, abandoned mineshafts, and long-empty railway tunnels.

Philadelphia Area: Forks Township Recreation Trail

This trail garners the perfect mixture of city and rural running. The trail starts in Forks Township and winds its way along old railroads, rocky outcroppings that overlook the Delaware River, and the stone fences of residential neighborhoods. The trail is literally split in half between paved residential trails and grassy rural trails, allowing you to choose if you want one or the other (or both!)

Peppering in an outdoor workout on the weekends is a great way to make sure that you don’t become disenchanted with your regimen. And with so many great options to choose from in Pennsylvania, why wouldn’t you?

John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: John Soland is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Pennsylvania,health