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Area parks offer free exercise
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TAKING A WALK: Dave DiRienzo, 55, of Beaver Township, walks along East Golf Drive at Mill Creek MetroPark. DiRienzo, a teacher in Poland, said he typically takes a 40- to 50- minute walk once or twice a week through an area park, although he admits to going out "a lot more during the summer months."
Walking is an excellent way to keep that New Year’s resolution to lose weight.
By Jon Moffett
YOUNGSTOWN — People looking to exercise more in the new year need look no further than parks.
“There are 74 parks around the state, so there is probably one close to where you live,” said Jean Backs, spokeswoman for the state parks. “It’s free to get in, and you can get in from morning to dark. ... You can just pack up the car and go, and whatever you feel like doing, you can do there.”
As well as state parks, there also are many community parks with various options for outdoor exercise.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people to use parks for more than just picnics and walking the dog. Backs said parks offer a variety of fitness-friendly options for the whole family, including hiking and cross-country skiing.
“If you want to get out and get some exercise, that’s what these parks are for,” she said. “It’s something fun you can do all year and get some fresh air. There are lots of fun things to do and things you can try.”
Backs added that despite the cold weather, it is still important for people to be conscious of their activities.
“It’s important just to take a hike, rent some cross-country skis and not necessarily wait until spring to go out and enjoy all of these things to do,” she said. “Just getting outside and getting some fresh air is important.”
Debbie Wojtkowski, who owns Body Sculpting Total Fitness in Boardman, said exercise is important to “stay healthy and stay alive.”
“You want to keep this body that you’ve been given for as long as you can,” she said. “It’s also good for the mental part of it. It can help people to get motivated, a better attitude and a healthier outlook when they get results.”
Backs said parks are a good alternative and more cost-effective than some gym memberships.
“The economy is tough, so if you’re rethinking your commitment to joining a gym, state parks are free and certainly getting yourself and your family out to a state park doesn’t have to cost you money or be a big deal either,” she said.
She added getting the whole family involved is the first step to living a healthier lifestyle.
“There is a lot of concern about lifestyle and childhood obesity,” she said. “You can change your lifestyle in ways that maybe seem a little bit more fun. There is strength in numbers ... It’s a great time for family bonding, too.”
Wojtkowski said the most important thing is just to exercise in your daily life.
“Just going about your daily business is important,” she said. “One of the first things that come to my mind, instead of finding the parking spot closest to the door, park far away from the door. Use the steps instead of the elevator and just doing housework. Do exercise as you do your daily routine. You can incorporate exercise into everything you do.”
jmoffett@vindy.com