Regular walking is one of the things people are most often encouraged to keep up, and winter in Minnesota makes that hard. Icy pavements are a real fall risk, especially for anyone using a cane or walker. The answer for many people is to take the walk indoors. Bloomington has some good options; this note looks at what makes an indoor space suitable rather than ranking particular places.
What to look for
- Level, smooth floors without loose mats or sudden changes in height.
- Seating at regular intervals so you can rest when needed.
- Toilets that are easy to find and reach.
- Quiet times, when crowds are small and nobody is rushing.
- Parking or drop-off close to an entrance.
Large indoor centres
Large enclosed shopping centres have long been popular with walkers in cold climates. In Bloomington, Mall of America offers long, level corridors on several floors, connected by lifts. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekends. Distances are large, so plan a route with rests rather than trying to cover everything, and note where you parked.
Community and civic buildings
Community centres, libraries and arts buildings such as the Bloomington Center for the Arts offer shorter but calmer indoor space, and a visit to an exhibition is an easy way to combine a walk with something to look at. Some community centres run indoor walking or exercise programmes; the city's recreation listings are worth checking.
Making it a habit
Walking with a friend makes it more likely to happen and safer if anything goes wrong. A regular day and time helps. Take water, wear comfortable shoes with a good grip, and bring your usual walking aid even if you sometimes manage without it indoors.
Check with a professional
If you have a health condition, have recently been unwell, or are not sure how much walking is right for you, ask your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new routine. They may also know of supervised strength and balance programmes nearby, which can be a valuable addition to walking.