The Daily News

Although the bitter weather has recently forced many indoors, local health and recreation officials hope some will jump start the new year by taking advantage of the cold.

Exercise this time of year is a hard sell, but weight loss typically tops resolution lists. Cross country skiing trails, snowboards, sledding and ice skating are available for residents in Chahinkapa Park, said Wayne Beyer, Wahpeton parks and recreation director. Youth can also play broomball or a game of pickup hockey at Rosemeade Chalet's multipurpose court, which is open until at least 11 p.m. The court is a popular draw during the winter.

"Nowadays, things have to be so organized for people to participate," said Beyer. "So it's kind of neat when kids organize their own [activities]."

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Jerry Rick, electrician and owner of Sundowner Bar, Breckenridge, tends to be outside every day of the year. A frequent participant of marathons - 48 so far - Rick likes to keep himself in shape. Subzero temperatures and snowfall are not exactly conducive to all forms of exercise, but 30-degree days can be just about perfect, he said.

"I like to workout at least a good hour everyday," he said. "That way I feel better about myself and I have more energy."

If you take a month off of regular exercise, your body loses its muscle memory and you have to start over again, he added. Even in chilly temperatures, he can be found jogging near North Dakota State College of Science campus, where he's witness to plenty of walkers.

For the past two years, Randy Nelson, Wahpeton city engineer, has incorporated exercise into his daily routine. Until Dec. 2, he was biking to and from work, accumulating an average of four miles per day.

"It's made a difference in my pants size, definitely," he said. "You just feel better, physically and mentally."

Nelson, 64, said biking added only a few minutes more than driving the route. By the end of each day, he'd gotten close to 40 minutes of exercise. And although some may shy away from stepping outside into cooler weather, it shouldn't be a factor, he added.

"I know there's folks that will ride in streets like this, but I'm getting to the point where I don't trust myself," he said, joking, "Falling is just not a good thing."

Brenda Woytassek, Breckenridge active living committee member, believes residents could embrace the weather. Costs related to insurance premiums and chronic disease should also encourage a closer look at personal responsibility, she said.

"Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that you still can't be active," she said.

On Jan. 25, the active living committee will survey residents on the walking and bike trail near the former Breckenridge dam site. The public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Breckenridge Senior Citizens Center.

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