On my recent active escape to Ibiza (full review coming up!), I embarked upon a breathtaking clifftop hike, blessed with some of the most spellbinding views the island has to offer. I made my way along the jagged sandstone peaks towards the famous landmarks, Es Vedrà and Atlantis. You may have read my previous post on the Benefits of Hiking, from my Morocco adventure last year; this Ibizan trek included all those same ‘workout’ benefits as in Morocco – a leg workout seriously targeting glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves – PLUS the added work required to achieve stability, coordination, balance, core work and fun! It certainly toasts calories whilst you sweat in the sun and pick up some healthy colour! Staying hydrated in that draining scenario is critical, so I took my BRITA Fill & Go for a swig on the move! Read MORE for the details on my trek, & what I found along the way!
My hike in Morocco was slow and steady and a true test of aerobic fitness & endurance. This hike was no less intense, but was steep with multiple pitch changes and loose terrain; that combination quickly exhausted my muscles. I especially felt it in my lower body, as there was a lot more stop-start and explosive movement required, which is a real challenge for me as I’m naturally stronger on the ‘endurance’ front. Once you reach the top it’s a fabulous sense of achievement followed by a sense of peace and tranquility. There is the indescribably breathtaking reward from that view, standing atop the island’s lookout point, listening to the silent whispers of the gentle winds. Perhaps a great little place to meditate and good for the soul. Regardless hiking remains one of my favoured forms of cardiovascular training, and with the steep hill you’ll undoubtedly get the same benefits as doing a tough weighted leg workout in the gym!
Prior to my hike, I undertook a little warm up session, including some mountain runners (above) and a full-body stretch routine!
Es Vedra (below) is a mysterious, uninhabited island which protrudes volcanically from the ocean, peaking at a height of almost 420 meters above the water-level. Whilst I didn’t climb the monstrous rock itself, on the mainland you can hike the to the top of the island’s uppermost point whereby you can rest your eyes upon the surrounding natural beauty or possibly break for some meditation. Climbing the path leading to the summit, you’ll find man made stone assemblies, carved masks, glyphs and runes in the mountain faces, and other pseudo-tribal artistic gems! The spiritual and colourful types on the island believe Es Vedra to be a place for aliens to land… Others say it’s the majestic tip of Atlantis. Some just think it’s a rock, but they probably lack imagination. It supposedly has a strong magnetic force which can be very strong on sensitive souls, so beware :) [though it has been found to be 150-million-year-old Mesozoic limestone with no magnetic constituents whatsoever…]. Regardless of your degrees of spiritually, the walk itself conjures up some true fitness inspiration. It requires masses of leg strength, balance and coordination, as well as a resolute spirit and strong determination!
Atlantis is more of a steeply downhill battle (and obviously uphill on your return). It’s quite a challenging descent with a slippery surface so make sure to bring shoes with a strong grip and decent support. At the bottom you’ll find turquoise sea and soft sand (more than ample reward for the exertion) as well as a cave with all sorts of deities carved on its cliff-face!
It’s spring in Ibiza now and a wonderful time to visit as the island is green and lush and quieter, as the tourist party season hasn’t yet exploded. The weather was also perfect for exercising outside, but it’s crucial to stay properly hydrated. I brought my trusted Brita Fill & Go, which I’m using to tie in with the Better with BRITA campaign running at the moment.
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I WAS WEARING: Top: VARLEY Gloria White Tee Pants: SUKISHUFU, Universe Taupe Trainers: Under Armour Women’s UA SpeedForm Gemini_______________________
DISCLOSURE: THE PRODUCT PICTURED ABOVE IS A ‘FILL & GO‘ – THIS IS A SPONSORED COLLABORATION WITH BRITA AS PART OF THEIR ‘BETTER WITH BRITA’ CAMPAIGN
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