10 Places to Walk Indoors During Michigan Winters
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
When the temperatures get cold and there's ice on the roads and sidewalks, it can be more challenging to get a good walk during the winter months.
Outdoor exercise in the winter is good for your physical and mental health. But if you struggle with cold weather, can't get outside in the daylight or are worried about the risk of falling, indoor walking is a great way to stay active.
Whether you’re looking to start a new routine and keep up with an existing habit, walking is a great way to get physically active. Here are 10 places to keep moving when it's icy or until it gets warm enough to head outside:
Shopping malls
With wide corridors and stairs, malls are great places to lace up your sneakers and spend an hour or two walking. Many Americans consider themselves regular “mall walkers” so you won't feel out of place.
Big box stores and department stores
Take laps around department stores, large grocery stores like Meijer, wholesale dealers like Costco or furniture stores such as IKEA. If you bring the kids along, these places are also usually stroller friendly.
When you walk in stores, be aware of your surroundings and consider walking when the stores are less busy.
Indoor tracks
Michigan has several indoor tracks, such as Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome and the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center in Ann Arbor. Most are open to the public during business hours or offer gym memberships.
Some gyms, colleges and high schools also offer indoor tracks.
Colleges or community centers
Community college campuses and community centers usually have many intertwining corridors and recreational facilities. Some event centers, such as the Kern Pavillion in Frankenmuth, also offer hours for indoor walking.
Check on public hours to stroll these winding walkways.
Museums or aquariums
The Detroit Institute of Arts or Henry Ford Museum are amazing, large spaces capable of housing regular walkers, and there are many others throughout the state. Aquariums such as SeaLife Michigan in Auburn Hills are also spaces meant for walking.
Be careful not to speed walk so fast that you disturb others or miss an exhibit.
Indoor playgrounds
Give your kids time to play while you take a walk at an indoor playground. There are several large indoor playgrounds across the state that can offer exercise for the whole family.
Workplaces
Make your next meeting a walk and talk or take time during lunch to move around the building. Disconnecting from your desk is a great way to take a break, interact with co-workers and increase your daily steps.
A treadmill or elliptical
Treadmills, elliptical machines and stair climbers are options for at-home or the gym. A walking pad may also be a smaller option to keep at home.
Small gyms and locally owned gyms are inexpensive exercise options that are usually close to home. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members can get discounted gym memberships and fitness classes.
Stairs, open plan homes and basements are great places to exercise, even moderately. Walk the stairs a couple extra times while doing laundry or practice a step routine on your basement floor for extra stability.
Walking during phone calls or while listening to audiobooks can be easy ways to get in your steps at home.
Videos
Exercise videos and interactive programming are easy ways to walk in place or exercise right in your living room. You may feel a little silly, but this is another good way to move inside.
Looking to step up your winter walking or running game? Find more tips on A Healthier Michigan.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Related:
