A RIDE IN THE PARK
Cyclists head in to Bidwell Park from Annie’s Glen on Thursday in Chico. Although Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order to shelter in place means people should stay away from others, it makes a concession for outdoor exercise, as long as they maintain 6 feet distance from those who are not in their household and wash their hands as often as possible. For more ways to stay active amid the pandemic,
There’s power walking, strolling, hiking in upper Bidwell Park, but right at our doorsteps is the absolute simplest form of exercise — walk in your neighborhood.
There are so many options that come along with this simple movement. No special equipment is needed, nor do you have to get in your car to “get somewhere.” It can be done at any hour, with or without a partner.
Besides the exercise benefit, there are so many more reasons to do it.
It clears your mind of litter or allows you to focus on a topic. Get to know your neighbors. Check out their amazing gardens and what’s blooming. Identify the new resident on the block and introduce yourself. Be seen.
Choices
There is one downside to walking the neighborhood. You have to decide when you want to do it.
Hitting the pavement at 5:30 a.m. means you’re walking in the dark, so there are a couple of essentials. Recently, the temperature about that time is in the mid40s, so you’ll need a coat, gloves and flashlight.
Sole walkers need to be alert for their safety, keeping an eye on their whereabouts and whoever may be outside too. Some walk with pepper spray or a dog, just in case.
Walking at early hours means you’re not fighting traffic.
It’s quiet, most people are still in bed or grabbing their first cup of coffee.
It’s also an amazing window to the natural world. In neighborhoods with trees, quiet walkers can hear the hoots of overnighting owls or catch the hawk’s first call, or rouse a mockingbird that will grumble in song.
Later
Later in the day when the sun is up, walkers can see friends and neighbors.
They may also be greeted by outside cats chasing that sunbeam. It’s warmer, so clothing choices are optional. Fewer layers may be needed.
During daylight hours, It’s easier to see what’s in bloom or what construction projects are underway.
Depending on your orientation toward animals, you’ll probably encounter dog walkers, hopefully bearing bags for “left-behinds.”
Unfortunately, some dog owners don’t understand that not everyone loves their dog, but walkers have the option of crossing the road to avoid contact, something that’s harder to do on a trail. Piles of poop left by thoughtless owners do make for more careful walking.
Walkers may also have to dodge the friendly block cat that wants attention.
Daylight hours are more conducive to safety, and there are walking clubs that make gathering fun. Remember the 6-foot social distancing rule. Some are shifting to online activities as well.
Gear
There’s a ton of gadgets available, from pulse monitors, to arm attachments for phones to catch favorite tunes or the news for those who are more tech-savvy.
There are also attachments for shoes to count steps and pace.
Some fitness centers or businesses offer apps that can be downloaded to a phone that provides a variety of workout levels, nudging walkers to speed up, stop for push-ups or do jumping jacks.
Good shoes and loose comfortable clothes are all that’s really needed.
Terrain
While Paradise’s hills can be challenging and sidewalk-less streets less than safe, the city’s current post- Camp Fire population means less traffic on the roads.
Oroville, Gridley, Chico and Durham are relatively flat. Those who want less human contact than neighborhoods can find plenty of trails. Local orchards offer a great view from the street, but we don’t recommend entering them.
Fitness
If you’re walking for more than a breath of fresh air and getting out of the house, there are plenty of websites, books and articles that show calories burned depend on speed and auxiliary activities like stairstepping on curbs, squats on the sidewalk and speed walking.
A couple fashioned for start- up walkers include www.thewalkingsite.com and www.verywellfit.com
Walking the neighborhood can be low impact, a great way to start the day or the perfect complement to an all-level fitness regiment.