Taking a soleful walk

Take a break from bustling city life and head to the mountains. For instance, Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain is a lovely mountain spot. Drive up, park your car and take a walk up the paved road. Climb to a distance that is comfortable for you and rest a while to take in the dramatic scenery.

Remember, when on an outing like this, always wear a pair of walking shoes. It can make the difference between enjoying your outing and regretting it. While the outdoors and lovely views are a balm to your spirits, the wrong footwear can severely distract from the enjoyment.Says N. Raslan, chiropractor at The Dental Spa, Dubai,"The spinal cord can get severely stressed if you wear the wrong footwear. Heels especially are unsuitable for walking on an uneven surface or hilly terrain.

You should never wear heels when walking or hiking."
Experts advise hikers to wear sports shoes with laces as they encase feet more securely and are more protective. "Laced sports shoes give the body balance," says Dr Raslan. "Wearing shoes that don't have support and a laced grip while hiking or walking may cause permanent damage to the pelvis and spine starting with severe back and pelvic pain.

He also explains that "it is hard to maintain perfect posture while hiking since the surface is not flat. Hikers should avoid carrying heavy weights on their backs because that will make walking difficult and cause severe muscle spasm. It is necessary to avoid twisting the spine as much as possible."
Okay, you have the footwear right, the day is perfect and the mountains beckon. What are we forgetting? Socks? Yes.

Are you wearing the right socks? To enable feet to stay comfortable inside shoes, good quality cotton socks are a must. They absorb moisture and prevent skin irritation or chaffing.

And what measures should you take to wind down after a good walk up the mountains? To loosen taut and knotted muscles, Dr Raslan recommends swimming and a good sports massage. "[But] if there is pain, you should immediately consult a doctor."

– Ritu Raizada, Lifestyle Features Coordinator, Friday