Healthy Gurus: Popular Healthy Things to Do in Oklahoma

Spring, summer and fall in Oklahoma are the most active times in the state. Events begin popping up, Oklahoma's wildlife and greenery really blossom, all the sun you can stand keeps things going late into the day. Whether you're trying to lose weight, beat a battle with depression or just simply enjoying being active, there are plenty of options that Oklahoma has to offer.

Hiking in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 4 mountain ranges throughout the state: the Arbuckle Mountains, Wichita Mountains, Ouachita Mountains and the Ozark Mountains. All of these ranges are accessible for the public and include hiking trails for miles. According to americanhikingsociety.org, hiking "not only improves our overall health and fitness but lengthens and improves the quality of our lives." Hiking is great for those who want to work on hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, osteoporosis and arthritis.

Boating in Oklahoma Waters

Out of all the land in the state, Oklahoma holds about 1,400 square miles of water area in lakes, ponds, rivers and more. While on the water, there are an array of boating activities you can do: fishing, white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and more. According to discoverboating.com, "simply the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin, and inducing relaxation." If you're needing a dose of relaxation or a boost in your happy hormones, boating on Oklahoma's waters might be just what you're needing.

Horseback Riding in Oklahoma 

You'll inevitably run into horses in Oklahoma and, if you're lucky, you'll get a chance to enjoy a horseback ride. Although it may not seem like it, horseback riding is quite the exercise and is fantastic for things like "core strength, burning calories, cardiovascular health and many other things," according to heart.org. Visitors can find several ranches and barns throughout the state, both Western and English, such as Old Caldwell Trail Stables, Riverman Trail Rides and Monkey Island Trail Riding.

Walking While Learning: Museums & Art

Oklahoma is home to over 500 different museums, ranging from art-centered, historical, cultural, scientific and more. According to healthline.com, walking can improve your mood, extend your life and improve your heart. Why not enjoy taking in new - and not-so-new - information while burning some calories the relaxing way?

Gardening in Oklahoma

Although Oklahomans' feet are usually red from clay, green thumbs are more common than you'd think. Gardening is healthy for anyone, according to the National Library of Medicine, as it combines "physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. Sunlight lowers blood pressure as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the summer." While growing in Oklahoma, you may produce carrots, cucumbers, broccoli and many, many more plants quite well. If you don't know where to start or don't have the area to grow your own, there are several places across the state that offer community gardens and self-sufficiency classes to learn how to do it on your own.

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