January is cold and wet. February and March aren’t usually much better, maybe worse. Indoor walking tracks are the warm, dry solution, but most are just a boring, around-and-around thing. What winter indoor walkers really need is variety, a new place for pacing the miles and burning the cals.
Where to find a new indoor walking track? And one that’s free of charge? Chattanooga State Technical Community College, of course.
Just last week, Kim Smith, an associate professor of physical education, announced the “WalkFit” indoor walking “track,” complete with posted and Web-site maps, and distance measures.
The route winds its way through the corridors of the Albright Omniplex and the Branch Center for Advanced Technology, passing the Math & Science Division and the chemistry labs, meandering through the Business & Information Systems wing, and touring the corridors of the Engineering Technology Department.
“The halls of these buildings make a great walking track,” said Ms. Smith. “For years, students in the ‘Walking for Fitness’ course and employees have enjoyed walking in them when the weather is too wet or hot or cold to be outside. Now, we’ve measured and mapped a very nice walking route, and invite the public to enjoy it with us.”
The buildings are available to walkers Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visitor parking is available in the front of the Omniplex throughout the day. Parking is available in all lots after 4:30 p.m.
The short route is 1,275 feet, or approximately 1/4th mile. The longer route is 2,071 feet; four times around equals a little more than 1.5 miles.
While not mapped, the square of halls in the Health & Fitness Center surrounding the Tiger Basketball Gym measures 10.5 times around per mile.
For a map of the routes, go to www.chattanoogastate.edu. Pull down the “In a hurry?” bar and select “Campus Map.” Click on “Indoor WalkFit Building Map” located below the campus map.
For additional information, email kimwsmith@chattanoogastate.edu.