Healthy Living, Fitness

Walk This Way at Brunswick Forest in Wilmington North Carolina

Brunswick Forest Walking Trails
Published on March 4, 2015

NORTH CAROLINA BEACH CITIES

When shopping for the perfect place to live forever and maintain superb health and well-being, one of the best North Carolina beach cities is where you’ll find one of the best master planned communities, Brunswick Forest in Wilmington. This thoughtfully designed community features one of the most attractive walking trail system found in the region providing a lifestyle that is full of excitement and outdoor activity.  With over 100 miles of walking, biking and nature trails to explore, Brunswick Forest offers the ultimate in healthy living.

The “trails” connecting the various Brunswick Forest neighborhoods provide easy access to playful parks and nature settings found at this 4,500 acre reserve.  Unmatched by any other community in the area, Brunswick Forest has many walking routes to explore this picturesque coastal region including a trail that leads from the “well known” Annsdale Park as well as a scenic boardwalk that meanders throughout the property. Residents treasure the trails for an inspirational evening stroll or brisk morning workout.  With a temperate year round climate and “over the top” amenities, Brunswick Forest belongs on the top of the list when shopping for Wilmington homes for sale. Lined with pristine sidewalks throughout the master planned community, this perfect location also features a golf course, Fitness and Wellness Center and a Community Garden for health-oriented Baby Boomers.  Additionally, folks will find shops, services and entertainment options available connected to the walking trail system at The Villages of Brunswick Forest.

Walking is an wonderful low impact way to enjoy this scenic region as well as improving overall well-being.  The benefits of walking just 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, improve blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels according to studies by the American Heart Association.  Additional rewards associated with a walking routine include the following:

1. It strengthens the heart and increases HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.  It also helps control high blood pressure.

2. Reduces risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers.

3. Maintains weight.  Walking at a pace of 2mph for 30 minutes burns 75 calories, while a 4mph walk can burn up to 150 calories.  Just remember “calories in and calories out” to balance unwanted pounds. 

4. Walking also tones muscles and increases muscle mass which will elevate the metabolism, even at rest.  A good walk not only shapes the legs, but also helps keep the core strong and “improves the bottom line” by working the buttock muscles especially when climbing hills.

5. Being active and regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent.

6. Walking can also strengthen bone density reducing the chance of osteoporosis and arthritis.

7. Add arm movements during the walk to increase calorie burn and improve circulation while toning the shoulders, arms and upper back.

8. Walking outdoors boosts Vitamin D which is essential to good bone health and a strong immune system.  By boosting circulation and increasing oxygen supply, every cell in the body benefits from this “low impact” exercise activity.

9. “Energy creates energy” – walking will not only “revive” a mid-morning energy slump but also will relieve stiff joints and muscle tension associated with an inactive lifestyle.

10. Walking increases a positive mood, stays off depression and helps reduce anxiety and stress.  

11. Pick a walking partner to join in.  It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and also to meet new neighbors.

12. Remember to focus on posture when walking, hold the stomach tight, head erect, shoulders and back relaxed and “roll” the feet with each stride to maximize the total body workout that walking can provide.

13. Make sure to buy good walking shoes and always warm-up, stretch and cool down after the workout especially if the course is challenging.

14. If over 40 and unaccustomed to exercise, consult a physician before adding any workout.  Remember walking is age friendly and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

15. Just remember, start slowly, be consistent and results from this active lifestyle will result in positive gains in both personal health and increased longevity.

With the all the benefits to be gained while walking, anyone seeking to improve their health would be smart to add walking to their routine. At Brunswick Forest, walking is “a breeze” while exploring the landscape the area offers. Don’t be surprised to see beautiful birds including Pine Warblers and American Goldfinch. The sophisticated network of trails found here makes Brunswick Forest one of the best places to find Wilmington homes for sale along the trails. The community is also in close proximity to some fabulous barrier islands. For a day of fun in the sun, residents can enjoy long beach strolls along the beaches in one of best North Carolina beach cities.

The two outstanding beaches nearby are Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach where active walkers can add some variety to their walking regime. Both beaches close to Brunswick Forest have events happening year round and also offer watersport options for adventurers.  Whether it’s a sunrise or sunset stroll, the coastal scenery found at Wrightsville Beach will motivate folks to get moving. This family friendly region also offers kayaking or paddle boarding for exercisers seeking more of a challenge. Even fishing burns calories and can provide a reason to get to the beach or explore the waterways at Brunswick Forest.  After a beach walk, residents can enjoy the wide array of waterfront restaurants and nightlife this 2.5 mile loop has to offer before heading back home.  

Carolina Beach is another location known for its seaside boardwalk, live music and one-of-a-kind festivals.  This historic beach offers exquisite dining at waterfront restaurants as well as live entertainment venues. After an evening stroll, Boomers can enjoy the views and fresh ocean breezes from one of the “tiki” bars located at the beach.  Carolina Beach is a place full of activities and great people watching while exercising the body walking this sandy course. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a fun way to burn some extra calories to justify a rewarding ice cream treat.

Besides the walking trails found at Brunswick Forest, this award winning master planned community located just 10 minutes south from the happening town of Wilmington, offers more amenities. Residents have access to an 18-hole championship golf course, a 18,000 square foot Fitness and Wellness Center offering a wide array of fitness classes ranging from spinning to yoga, multiple swimming pools, hot tub and sauna, a poolside café for food and drinks, 2 dog parks, a community garden, a stocked fishing pond, 8 lighted tennis courts as well as a river pavilion. At the 11-acre Unsaddle Park, residents enjoy a series of concerts annually by “The Brunswick Forest Summer Series” without ever leaving the neighborhood. 

If you’re like most snow birds checking out North Carolina beach cities for retirement, take a walk on the 'wild side' and start with exploring Wilmington homes for sale at Brunswick Forest, one of the best master planned communities in North Carolina.

Contact Brunswick Forest direct at 888.371.2434 to schedule a tour.