Escapist exercise

Sports as we usually know them may be on the back burner, but people all over the country are rediscovering ways to stay fit. Chief among those is walking. One look around neighborhoods in the area and most likely you'll see streets with people of all ages getting out of their houses and walking for both their mental and physical well-being.

"My husband and I walk every day," said Scanlon resident Tina Schroeder. "He walked on the treadmill every day, but now we both prefer to get the fresh air and it's something we should be doing to combat the virus."

Schroeder's nightly walks are an important part of any exercise program, said Dr. Ken Ripp, a family physician at CMH Raiter Clinic and the Carlton County public health medical director.

"Walking is a fine form of exercise and the evidence suggests that there is nearly as much benefit walking as there is to running," Ripp said. "Obviously, you burn more calories if you run, but the bottom line is any movement helps."

An evening drive around Cloquet and Scanlon revealed lots of walkers on nearly every street and most all of those walking were abiding by the 6 feet of social distancing rules.

"I usually walk again in the afternoon with neighbors and we take up most of the street," Schroeder said. "We do have to walk single file a lot as there are many people out walking with dogs and children and we have to keep our distance."

One of Schroeder's neighbors and walking partner is Lori Nelson, also a longtime walker.

"I've always enjoyed getting exercise on a daily walk, or hike, but during these unprecedented times I have come to realize how much stress it relieves," Nelson said. "When I'm alone it gives me time to reflect on my life, say some prayers and also appreciate nature. When I'm fortunate enough to walk with friends or family, being with people and having conversations makes me feel like my life is somewhat as it used to be."

Parks and playgrounds have been closed so residents are finding sidewalks and trails as the only alternative.

"I was a walker before the pandemic, both outside and in the hockey shelter when the weather made it difficult to be outside," Cloquet resident Julie Johanson said. "I mixed walking with a few mornings of pickleball, which is now suspended due to the virus. ... Most of all I am missing the social interactions with friends, especially those at pickleball."

"Exercising with another person can be motivational and it is also helpful to have someone hold you accountable to make sure you get out and exercise on a regular basis," Ripp said. "It is also appropriate to continue to maintain social distancing when you're walking or exercising."

Both Nelson and Schroeder have noticed an increase in the numbers of people out walking, jogging, riding bikes, or just moving around outside as weather has gotten warmer and as the state shutdown became more strict.

"I love seeing all the families that are out together," Nelson said. "People that you meet are so friendly, saying hello, and greeting you with smiles. We truly live in a wonderful community."

"I have enjoyed seeing families that seem to be more interactive outside," Johanson said. "When the days get long from being inside it's good to go for a walk either alone or with my husband. Some trails are difficult to manage because of social distancing, but most walkers seem to be aware and will move aside or turn around."

"My husband Rob and I are blessed to have both of our children and their families living close to us," Nelson said. "Meeting them for a walk gives us a chance to see them while still maintaining our social distancing. Seeing them and our 2-year-old granddaughters is the best part of my day. We sing and laugh and there is not a care in the world, which is so healing."

The walking, and the ability to still communicate with others, albeit at a distance, seems to be cathartic to the soul as well as physically keeping your body in shape.

"Being with people and having conversations makes me feel that life is back to normal and that's how it should be," Nelson said.