Once BHS closes, Baldwin gets ‘on track’

Did you hear about the quiet fitness parade that occurs every summer in Baldwin? I am referring to a small contingent of Baldwinites who take advantage of the warm weather, and the peace and quiet once Baldwin Senior High School shuts down, to hit the track and to get in shape.

This group consists of a hodgepodge of locals, maybe 30 at a time, who circle the track at the high school as the sun begins to set. Among them are former athletes getting back in shape, serious joggers, personal trainers, I’ve-got-to-lose-those-last 20-pounders, future Olympians practicing their sprints, and simple after-dinner walkers — all of them pacing off lap after lap.

One evening, I decided to escape the temptation of Mr. Softee and join this circuitous parade. I grabbed my iPod and headed over to the Baldwin track to clear my head. I was surprised to find so many like-minded people already there, but I took it as a sign that I was in the right place.

With or without iPods, in pairs or solo, my neighbors seemed intent on getting active, step by step. You can tell that it’s not an organized effort — there was no announcement or email alert — but there we all were,

quietly walking. I think it speaks to the way we do things in Baldwin: we just do it.

Health and fitness experts recommend walking as a great first step on the path to fitness. A quick search online will reveal that walking is the easiest fitness routine to start and offers benefits that are more than skin-deep. The Will Rogers Institute lists numerous upsides to increased walking: better overall health, lower weight, better mood, better sleep, a longer life, a better sense of well–being, fresh air, sunshine and a chance to meet your neighbors.

I experienced all of the above walking at the BHS track. If you’re looking for an easy, free way to get in shape both

mentally and physically, you might think about giving Baldwin’s underground summer fitness parade a try.

Tips to Help You Hit Your Stride

n Speed up Gently: Take five minutes to ease up to full stride. Warming up gradually loosens your muscles and raises your heart rate little by little.

n Move Briskly: Build up to walking briskly for one or two minutes, then five minutes, then 10. A moderate pace is all you need.

n Taper Down: Spend five minutes slowing down. This will lower your heart rate and blood pressure gently, keeping you from feeling light headed.

n Stay Limber: Finish by gently stretching your legs and arms in slow motion for five minutes. Hold each stretch for a few seconds and ease up if you feel pain.