The days are shorter now, so why not take your walking workout indoors?

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Joey took his first stab at indoor rock climbing the other day. He's seven. I tried the same feat when I was, oh, twenty-something, and I came barreling down from great heights (there was a rope involved, don't worry) as tears spilled from my eyes. It wasn't fear that started my water works. It was physical exhaustion and frustration. I kept trying to use my arms to pull me up, you see, unaware at the time that my legs harnessed the power to propel me upward. Joey figured this out in no time. I'm the slow one.

I told Joey as he tackled the wall that he's stronger than me. "You're just saying that so I won't quit," he said. He's also smarter than me. He can detect psychological maneuvering in a second.

Really, Joey is stronger than me. I'm not so weak now, at the advanced age of 38, but it took me quite some time to believe I possess the physical know-how to master major challenges -- like ropes courses, whitewater rafting, snow-skiing, parasailing, a 5K, and yes, rock climbing. So it's such a pleasure to watch my growing boy excel in areas that will enrich both his mental and physical world.

We're off on a bike ride tonight, me and my guy. Something tells me I'll be trailing Joey the whole time.

If you have a hankering for climbing the highest spot around, The Highpointers Club may be for you. While some Americans travel the lower 48 to lay claim to a game in every professional baseball stadium, Highpointer's 1,500 members share a different goal -- seeking to summit as many high points in each of the 50 states as they are willing and able.

It's one thing to stroll up 1,235-ft Charles Mound, the highest point in Illinois, versus completing the several-day technical climb to Wyoming's 13,804 ft Gannett Peak. I've stood atop three Fourteeners in Colorado (14,000 ft or higher), but the only high point I can claim is Colorado's Mt. Elbert. Not sure if my memory of standing atop 6,643 ft Clingman's Dome in Tennessee counts, I think my dad helped haul me up there when I was a young girl.

Highpointers is not just about notching climbs -- their mission includes conservation and preservation of high points and fostering relationships of like-minded climbers. Only 173 Highpointers, past or present, have reached the summit of all 50. Maybe you, too? Sadly, climbing the higher peaks is serious business. Club member James Nasti, aged 51, died this past July 4 on the summit of 20,320 ft Mt. McKinley in Alaska -- his 49th climb.

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Singing sensation Fergie won't be caught in a gym, and it's not because she isn't concerned about her body. It's quite the opposite really -- have you seen the girl's body lately? It rocks. It's another reason entirely that keeps Fergie from indoor workout facilities.

It's the outdoors.

Fergie keeps her body toned by running on the beach, hiking, and climbing up and down the Santa Monica steps -- a steep stairwell above the ocean. Fergie works out in the fresh air every day. Not a bad idea, I say.

Want some outdoor alternatives for your exercise routine? Take a peek at this site.

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Obviously, there's a big difference between clothing you'd need for indoor versus outdoor rock climbing. Either one is a fantastic workout, but they each have their own advantages, as Bev told us all about earlier. However, I'm much more familiar with climbing indoors, and I know that it's an accessible, easy way for people to get started, so for the purposes of this post, I'll be focusing on indoor climbing.

In case you're afraid to try climbing because you don't think you have enough upper body strength, let me reassure you -- it doesn't matter. You use your legs and core right along with your arms, so it's not like you're constantly hanging by one arm, like in the movies. There are lots of different levels of climbing, and if you're willing to give it a try, I'm sure you can reach the top of a beginner wall, at least. And it's totally safe -- you'll wear a harness and be roped in, so even if you fall, you won't go anywhere.

That being said, here are some tips on what to wear for your new indoor adventure:

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Mountain hiking plans in your future? Something to be careful of is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), otherwise known as altitude sickness. Traveling too high too fast can actually kill you, in rare cases, and more commonly will just make you sick. 20% of people will notice symptoms when hiking in the 6,300-9,700ft range, and above 14,000 most people experience at least minor signs.

AMS is caused by a combination of the lower air pressure and oxygen levels at higher altitudes and can be characterized by fluid collecting around the lungs and the brain. Symptoms often include headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness. AMS is best treated by descending to a lower altitude and administering oxygen, and even better yet preventing it from happening altogether by climbing slowly and stopping at the first signs of illness.

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and get fit, but make sure you're educated on the risks and take care of yourself!

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