Covid-19 Social Distancing – “Exercise Activity Plan B”

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

On 18 March 2020, I showed up to the front door of a fitness center I frequently use. They were allowing 25 members in at a time to comply with Covid-19 social distancing rules. Regardless, the gym was closed the next day until further notice. Since my wife and value daily exercise, we pulled out Exercise Activity Plan B.

On 19 March which was a Thursday, we walked to Dirksen Nature Park and made use of the outdoor fitness center. The weather was beautiful and people were out in numbers like we’ve never seen before. In-between exercise sets, we noticed a huge mass of parents and children intermingled throughout the playground area. I said, “There are a lot of parents off from work and children out of school. I don’t think children tumbling around other parent’s children is safe from covid-19.” It was obvious to us the public health message – avoid close contact to prevent the spread of an aggressive virus had connected with parents. Apparently city officials noticed.

Dirksen Nature Park, Tigard OR

Two days later, I wasn’t surprised when they shut down basketball courts and playgrounds. Tigard police announced on Twitter and other public notice media over the weekend, “You can access the rest of our parks but we ask that you avoid congregating in groups.”

If you’re feeling cabin fever and need an outdoor break, most public use recreational amenities are accessible. Just avoid congregating in them and respect social distances. I think this is a great opportunity for drone, plane or remote control car toy hobbyist who want to brush up on their skills in public use green space. Or create your own plan B exercise activity to explore nature, walk the dogs, or just reconnect with a significant other. If everyone does their part to comply with social distancing rule, the bulk of Tigard parks and trail systems will remain open for everyone to enjoy.

Tigard, OR .75 Heritage Trail Runs from Main Street to Tiedeman along Tigard Street.

One of my favorite Plan B exercise strategies is to use Tigard’s newly paved 10’+ wide ~.75 mile Heritage trail system. This is a great place to roller blade, bike, and jog, walk the dog and perform basic exercises, etc., in a safe environment. Park your car downtown and access the trail at Tigard and Main Street. Local business also need your support. Support them by purchasing to-go food services for outdoor picnics and trail treks.

Heritage Trail Entrance at Tigard, OR Main Street – Next to Chamber Building.

Get innovative and creative with outdoor exercise, play safe and stay healthy by following Covid-19 guidelines and related city policies and we all win.

For daily updates and impact on city services and public use facilities visit Tigard City Website corona update link: https://www.tigard-or.gov/corona/ Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET., is a Fit Healthy Lifestyle Consultant with MirrorAthlete Corp., and former Tigard City Councilor. A strong proponent of City involvement in expanding recreation opportunities for everyone. 2020 copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., “To learn more about MirrorAthlete and free monthly newsletter, visit: www.mirrorathlete.org.

Please follow and like us:
This entry was posted in City Recreation, Community Recreation, Exercise Activity, immune system and tagged , , , , , on by .

About Marc Woodard

As a fit healthy lifestyle author and consultant, retired corporate employee and retired Army officer, I've spent many years taking care of my career goals and financial security. It is now my time to give something back to my community. Without a healthy mind, body and spirit it is really difficult to move forward to achieve great things in life. To share information is something everyone of us are capable of doing. And to share fitness and health related information with your children is the best thing you could do for them and your community. Saving the health of our nation one person at a time is our goal. Learn more about Marc Woodard @ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-woodard-94003930/ Good health to you and your family.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.