By Haylee Pence
MIAMI VALLEY – New Year, New Me? Join others in the adventure of getting healthier by walking at various places throughout the Miami Valley.
Hobart Arena in Troy offers a walking area around the arena every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless impacted by arena events. “Walking is free and open to the public,” according to the website. Also, on the website is their no-walking schedule for January, which provides the times for when the arena is closed to walkers. Restrooms, water fountains, and benches are available for usage. Hobart Arena is located at 255 Adams St., Troy.
The Miami Valley Centre Mall offers another place to walk every day — Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. — which is free and open to the public. Restrooms, water fountains, and benches are available. The mall also offers multiple food vendors and shopping areas. There is also an activity area for younger children. For older children and teens, there is a video arcade area, the Amazing Space Game Room. The Miami Valley Centre Mall is located at 987 E. Ash St., Piqua.
Planet Fitness in Piqua offers a gym membership for $10/month for a general membership and $23/month for the Black Card. The gym is open 24 hours Monday through Thursday, Friday from midnight to 9 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested in walking can enjoy the use of the treadmills for walking. Planet Fitness is located at 1245 E Ash St, Ste 100, Piqua.
Anytime Fitness in Troy offers a gym membership for $30/biweekly. The gym is open 24/7, but only has staffing available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are un-staffed. Treadmills and other cardio machines are available. Anytime Fitness is located at 1450 W. Main St., Troy.
In both Troy and Piqua, the YMCA is available for walking. The Piqua Branch YMCA is about 1/13th of a mile, while the track at the Robinson Branch YMCA is about 1/16th of a mile. The Robinson Fieldhouse at the Robinson Branch YMCA offers a 1/11th of a mile, three-lane track that is indoors. Memberships to the YMCA vary based on family profile. The Piqua Branch YMCA is located at 223 W. High St. The Robinson Branch YMCA is located at 3060 S. County Road 25A in Troy.
Jim McMaken, executive director of the Miami County YMCA, said, “The great thing about walking is a person doesn’t have to walk very far to realize its health benefits. It’s recommended to start off with short walks and gradually increase the distance and frequency of those walks over time. Just be sure to listen to your body — it will tell you when it’s time to increase the frequency and distance of your walks.”
