Hiking Destinations in the Carmel, California, Area

Dr. Gregory Tapson established his Carmel, California, medical practice in 1996 and continues to oversee all patient and office activities. When he is not seeing to the personalized care of as many as 100 patients per month, Dr. Gregory Tapson enjoys leading an active lifestyle. He frequently exercises and enjoys hiking and golfing throughout the Carmel area.

Hiking enthusiasts living in and around Carmel do not have to travel far for an enjoyable outing. The Carmel River Beach Trail, for example, makes for an ideal outing for hikers in search of a relaxing, scenic journey. The one-mile trail travels between the Pacific Ocean and a number of stunning views of Carmel Point and Point Lobos. The trail is replete with picnic tables and other areas perfect for a meal or short rest before resuming the hike.

Mission Trail Park offers a more comprehensive, diverse hiking experience. With more than five miles of trails and 35 acres of nature to explore, Mission Trail Park allows hikers to get up close and personal with the region’s historic redwoods, not to mention impressive stands of oaks, pines, and eucalyptus. Mission Trail Park is also home to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and the historic Flanders Mansion, built in 1924.

Additional trails in the Carmel and Monterey region include those at Toro Park, Jacks Peak County Park, and Point Lobos State Reserve.

How Parents Can Support Their Children in Sports

Since 1996, Dr. Gregory Tapson has provided on-site and in-home primary care to hundreds of Carmel, California residents. When not attending to patients or overseeing day to day operations at Cypress Ridge Skilled Nursing Facility, Dr. Gregory Tapson is a coach and enthusiastic supporter of his children’s basketball, baseball, football, and softball teams.

If done correctly, strategic parental involvement can help young children get the most out of participating in a team or school sport. Here are some tips for parents who want to actively support their young athletes.

Support the Coach - Children do best when lessons from their coaches are reinforced at home. Parents should talk to their children about their coach’s suggestions and help them make improvements based on that feedback.

Encourage Exploration - Parents can help children discover their passions by allowing them to try different sports. Since some sports are seasonal, having multiple athletic interests can help children stay active all year round and to learn a range of athletic skills.

Manage Failure - Losing can be difficult for young children to process and they may take losses personally. Parents should highlight the fun and challenging aspects of sports and minimize competitiveness.

Health Benefits of Early Morning Exercise

Carmel, California physician Dr. Gregory Tapson has provided personable patient care at his private practice for more than two decades. Outside of work, Dr. Gregory Tapson stays active by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and golf. He also maintains a daily morning exercise routine. 

While exercise at any time of day has positive health effects, there are several biological advantages to starting a workout routine in the early hours of the day. Below are some of the most notable benefits of working out in the morning.

Metabolic Boost - The calorie-burning effect of exercise continues long after the workout is over. One study found that up to 190 additional calories are burned up to 14 hours after a round of vigorous exercise. As a result, consumed calories are more likely to be burned throughout the day rather than stored as fat.

More Regular Routine - Scheduling workouts in the morning reduces the likelihood of events or other distractions disrupting the routine. Once the body adapts to waking up early and exercising, it becomes even easier to maintain a routine.

Increased Productivity - Exercising releases endorphins, which enhance mental clarity and elevate mood, two factors that impact cognitive function. Working out in the morning also leads to higher sleep quality, which again improves productivity throughout the day.