Explore Fun Ways to Stay Active This Winter
Ah, wintertime. It seems like the perfect time to grab a good book or click a new show on Netflix and curl up on the couch with a comfy blanket and a snack.
Sometimes that is the perfect plan. However, Wisconsinites need to also remember to stay active during the doldrums of the winter months, because it is best for both the mind and body.
“It is important to be active all year long,” said Laura Zelenak, Health Educator with the Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach. She also helps facilitate the Healthy Lifestyles-Marshfield Area Coalition.
“There is a lot of research on physical activity and it’s pretty amazing when you consider it. Moving and working the body regularly creates all sorts of changes on a cellular level that reduce risk of many chronic diseases, improve mood, help control weight, strengthens bones and muscles, improves hormone function and more,” she said.
One of the missions of Healthy Lifestyles-Marshfield Area Coalition is to help keep locals active.
“Throughout the year we promote the physical activity opportunities and events that are available to everyone. We do so through our Healthy Lifestyles Bulletin, Facebook, and presence at events, like WinterFest taking place on February 18,” Zelenak said.
Luckily, Marshfield has a lot of options to help residents keep a spring in their step during these colder months.
“Whether you enjoy winter or not, there are a lot of different ways to be active. Marshfield and the surrounding areas provide plenty of opportunities like ice skating, skiing, and snow-shoeing. If you prefer to stay indoors, there are even more opportunities: exercise classes at gyms, racquetball, pickleball, and swimming, to name a few. The Marshfield Parks & Recreating Department Winter/Spring 2017 Program Brochure is an amazing guide for activity ideas,” she said.
For those that are just starting up a new fitness regime, or more intense activity, there are just a couple things to keep in mind.
“Any time a person is starting a new activity, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. Start slow and ease into new activities to prevent injury and soreness. Safety is also a consideration,” Zelenak said.
Also, winter activities can pose some extra considerations.
“Some winter activities may pose an increased risk of falling or exposure to cold. Dress appropriately and consider wearing protective gear. During our short winter days, you may find yourself outdoors in the dark. Consider reflective gear and safety lights,” she said.
If getting active seems intimidating, Zelenak suggests taking it a little bit at a time.
“Think of what you are doing now in terms of physical activity and set one small goal to improve it,” she said.
For those looking for ways to stay active or get active this winter, Explore has compiled a list of options:
WinterFest
What: Event to benefit Marshfield Area United Way
Includes a FREE 400 meter race for children under 12, Cross Country Skiing, Fat Tire Bike and Snowshoe racing
When: Saturday, February 18
Starts at 12 p.m., Live entertainment starts at 3 p.m., Big Deeks at 8 p.m.
Where: River Edge Golf Course, 10191 Mill Creek Drive
Phone: 715-676-3900
Marshfield School Forest
Good for Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Address: 11450 County Road N
Phone: 715-676-3655
Open Gym & Swim
Where: Marshfield High Schoo, 1401 E. Becker Road
When: Monday and Wednesday Evenings
Pool: 5:45 to 9 p.m.
Fieldhouse: 7:15 to 9:00 pm.
Open Gym ends on Feb. 27 and Open Swim ends March 15. (Neither held on Feb 6 or 13).
Cost: Youth and Students FREE
Adult residents: $2.50, Non-residents $3.75
Pickleball
Where: Oak Avenue Community Center, 201 S. Oak Ave,
When: Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Advanced tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate in the Parks & Recreation office for $22.00 (10 tickets). The drop-in rate at the door is $2.50. No registration required.
Adult Exercise Classes
Where: Marshfield Mall in the Senior Center, 503 East Ives St.
When: Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $3.00 per class, or a flex card can be purchased for $42 for 16 classes or $24 for 8 classes. These classes will focus on improving joint mobility, muscle strength and endurance. No registration required.
Tai Chi Classes
Where: Marshfield Mall in the Senior Center, 503 East Ives St.
When: Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Cost: $3.00 per class, or a flex card can be purchased for $42 for 16 classes or $24 for 8 classes. These classes will focus on strengthening the body with minimal stress to the joints, and help improve coordination and relaxation. No registration required.
Aquacise
Where: Marshfield High School Pool, 1401 East Becker Road
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.