updated their inventory that she pur- chased that very same kayak she had There are two main reasons to consider kayaking for weight loss: calories burned (about the same rate as walking briskly), and the all-im- portant element of enjoyment. As the replaced riding in a motorized shuttle vehicle with bicycling back to her car after paddling the trail. As the Ameri- can College of Sports Medicine points out, “Enjoyable activities promote exercise adherence and subsequent weight loss.” For those who enjoy out- door adventure, kayaking ranks high as an enjoyable activity, which makes it more likely to become a habit. Autauga Creek can connect kayak- ers, canoeists, and paddleboarders with an outdoor workout— all with no membership charge, and it cer- tainly keeps Jennifer coming back for more. Paddling this water trail was the gateway she needed to start working her way back into shape, and the time spent outdoors continues to invigorate her spirit. When Jennifer told her more advanced kayaking friends about the trail, she said that said, “Every one I’ve ever taken with me have ended up swimming before we got out. It’s not the speed or cur- rent; it’s the obstacles that make it challenging.” In 1847, the creek was described
as, “A bold, clear stream, supported by beautiful springs which rise about 15 miles from its mouth. It is the most uniform stream in the world— neither depressed by a protracted drought, nor much swollen by heavy rains.” Today, as a National Recreation Trail, water turbines. Prattville’s industrial heritage is well documented at the lo- cal Prattaugan Museum, and historic markers along the canoe trail recog- nize its 1930s era manufactories and through the heart of this town, its predominately high creek banks make it resemble a remote river expedition
14 SPRING 2016
AmericanTrails.org
The 13-mile Autauga Creek Trail is Alabama’s newest NRT, designated in 2015. (photo by Dave Johnson)
Jennifer sought out the trail after her doctor advised a workout that emphasized upper body strength and was easy on her feet and knees. (photo by Bob Ealum)
rather than the urban stream it actu- ally is. Restaurants, sandwich shops, grocery, and boutique shopping are within walking distance of the down- town Creekwalk access. Picnic tables and a gazebo often hold families watching their youngsters splash in the sandy beach area where one of Autauga Creek. Trail users choosing to walk or bi- cycle back to the put-in access parking lot rather than shuttling by car, should
there are no sidewalks along much of the roadway. To ensure that her gear stays in place until she comes back for it Jennifer explains, “I chain my bike up at the end, then after paddling I the kayak instead.” She rides her bike back to City Hall to pick up her car, then returns to load the kayak. Load- ing and transporting gear becomes part of the overall workout. Shuttle arrangements can be very
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