In December after an active spring, summer and autumn of physical activity, you wonder how to keep it together as another Alaska winter sets in. You could winter over in Hawaii (see deals in the travel column), but you don't have to go that far; exercise is as close as your nearest shopping mall or recreation center.
Anchorage
Dimond Center Mall is open for free mall walking on the first and second levels of the building, Hours are Monday through Saturday, a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early in the morning there is a lot of parking up close to the mall, making access easier than later in the day. If people are interested in walking, just enter the mall and walk. No need to report to anyone or sign in. And if you're comfortable on ice, the mall's Ice Chalet rents skates for $3.50 and seniors pay $5 to skate. Phone: 907-344-2581.
Anchorage's 5th Avenue Mall has no organized walking groups and its website states "you are welcome to walk the mall for exercise during regular mall hours." Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. However, there will be variations for holiday shopping during December. Phone: 907-258-5535.
The Dome is an expansive indoor facility at 6501 Changepoint Drive. Membership during any open hours offers unlimited access to its 400-meter track for walking alone or with a friend. Seniors walk free Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call for details on other membership and punch card packages. Phone: 907-770-3663.
Bethel
YK Fitness Center does not have an indoor track, but does offer treadmills and other fitness activities. Day passes for seniors age 60 and older are $3, monthly passes $28 and annual $275. If price is a barrier, discounted fees are available on a sliding scale. Learn more at ykfitness.org or call 907-543-0390.
Chugiak-Eagle River
Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center features hallways that total a one-mile round trip from end to end of its building. Exercise for Independence promotes regular exercise as key to maintaining independence and warding off age-related health issues. The center's fully equipped gym features top-of-the-line equipment including ellipticals, treadmills, weights and more, empowering you to stay strong and active. CERSC membership: Individual yearly: $35; couples yearly: $45. Phone: 907-688-2609.
The Harry J. McDonald Memorial Center, located at 13701 Harry MacDonald Road, features two separate track options for indoor walking and jogging. The track, located around the ice rink, is one-eighth of a mile and offers users views of the ice surface and a slightly cooler walking environment. The track located around the turf facility features two lanes and is one-tenth of a mile with a slightly warmer walking environment.
This is a multi-use facility, so please be watchful at times when there are other events going on the turf and ice rink. Strollers, walkers and walking canes are all welcome. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Saturdays and Sundays. $2 per visit or 20-punch card for $30. Phone: 907-696-0051.
Fairbanks
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department offers a free walking program at the Big Dipper Ice Rink, located at 1920 Lathrop Street. Note that reservations are no longer required and is free.
The schedule varies, so best to call for times or go to https://fairbanksak.myrec.com/info/activities/program. Phone: 907-459-1076.
Gustavus
Gustavus Community Center offers chair yoga Tuesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Chair yoga has the benefits of regular yoga, such as helping with stress, pain and fatigue, but it can also help with joint lubrication, balance and even age-specific issues like menopause, and arthritis. Phone: 907-209-2224.
Juneau
Free indoor walking is available at the Nugget Mall located at 8745 Glacier Highway. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. There is no organized walking group, just show up. Phone: 907-789-2289.
Ketchikan
The Gateway Recreation Center has an indoor walking track on its upper level – 12.5 laps equals one mile – available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. One month senior memberships are $42, daily price for indoor walking is $4, or $2 for seniors 55 and older. 907-228-6650
Nome
Nome Community Center includes the XYZ Senior Center that offers much-needed services to elders. Activities are available during the day, with staff supervision, including falls prevention and strength exercising, outings, cultural activities, nutritional and health monitoring in partnership with Norton Sound Health Corporation, fishing and berry picking. Phone: 907-443-5238
Seward
The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) offers its free indoor walking hour for seniors in its gym, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to noon. Phone: 907-224-4054. Email: sportsandrec@cityofseward.net.
Sitka
Elders and students go on a light walk for conversation and exercise at Intergenerational Walking in Sitka. For more information, contact the SAIL ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) program coordinator Kari Rogers at 1-888-487-1033 or email her at krogers@sailinc.org.
Skagway
Skagway Recreation Center Senior Socials feature games, gossip and gourmet treats. Must be over 64, or invited by a senior. Chair-based stretching and resistance training for the whole body. Shared gym: Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m .; weekends, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 907-983-2679, or go to https://skagwayrecreation.org/
Soldotna
Soldotna's Olympic-sized ice rink at the Soldotna Regional Sports Center also has an indoor walking track, open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The track may close during special events such as conferences or hockey games. A season walking pass is available with a season being from the day after Labor Day through April 1. Walking track patrons are asked to sign in at the office prior to starting their walking. A one-time walk is $3.50, season pass is $42, and a half season pass (January through April), $21. Phone: 907-262-3151.
Walk With a Doc is the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. in partnership with Central Peninsula Hospital. Learn about health issues and meet new friends, with the doctor and topic shared monthly at https://www.facebook.com/SoldotnaParksRecreation.
Unalaska
The Unalaska Community Center has everything from a cardio and weight room to music and art areas. Hours: Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m .; Saturday, 8 a.m. to10 p.m .; and, Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Phone: 907-581-1297
Wasilla/Palmer
The Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, 1001 S. Clapp Street, has an indoor walking/running track and offers a free senior walking program for ages 65 and older. These sessions are Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 9 a.m. General walking hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Call 907-357-9100.
The MTA Events Center in Palmer, 645 Cope Industrial Way, is open for free indoor walking Monday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m., and weekends, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 907-745-3709.
