If you’re tired of hibernating at home this winter and need something to get your heart racing, consider indoor walking at the Hutchinson Recreation Center or the Hutchinson Mall.

With icy sidewalks and subzero temps, indoor walking is a safe way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and develop a healthier, leaner body.

Walking is the easiest form of exercise, too. You don’t need a gym, fancy equipment or special clothes. Just slip on a pair of supportive, comfortable shoes and put one foot in front of the other.

If you’re interested in tracking your mileage, purchase an inexpensive pedometer and clip it to your waistband. Experts recommend walking 10,000 steps a day. This translates into about five miles. If you have health issues, talk to your health-care provider before starting an exercise program. If you’ve been sedentary, don’t try to walk 10,000 steps in a day. Start gradually and increase mileage at regular intervals.

The Hutchinson Rec Center, 900 Harrington St. S.W. is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There’s no charge to walk. The gym is closed to walkers if there’s a scheduled event. Check the bulletin board in the lobby or online at www.ci.hutchinson.mn.us for more information.

The Hutchinson Mall, 1060 State Highway 15 S., cosponsors a mall walking program with Hutchinson Area Health Care. Walkers are required to complete a short application and release form before beginning the program.
The mall is open for walking from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call the Hutchinson Rec Center at (320) 587-2975, or the Hutchinson Mall at (320) 587-5956.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com)