Indoor Community Winter Walking Trail is open

Enjoy the safety & convenience of walking indoors during cold weather

The School District has re-opened the Indoor Winter Walking Trail at Port Jervis High School. Offered free-of-charge to all district residents, the indoor course was developed two years ago to provide community members, teachers, staff, students and parents with a convenient location to walk during the cold winter months. 
Similar in concept to the walking courses offered at many shopping malls, the course provides a safe alternative to those who use the High School outdoor track and campus walkways. 

The designated walking trail, which begins and ends at the main entrance of Port Jervis High School, loops through the first floor of the building and the adjacent Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School. The course is 1/5 mile. Five trips around the course equals one mile.  A course map, outlining the course and location of Automated Defibrillators (AEDs), is available at the High School greeter station. Walking Trail Flyer

The indoor trail is open to the public weekdays, 4 to 5:45 p.m., through March 15. In accordance with the district's safety policy, walkers must sign in at the High School greeter station and present photo identification. First-time participants are required to complete the following release forms: Hold Harmless Agreement and Adult Release Form  Parents must complete a separate release form for students wanting to use the course.  Minor Release Form     Walking Trails Rules
 
Physical fitness experts emphasize the importance of power walking and other fitness workouts during the winter months, when many people tend to become more sedate.  To remain healthy year round, many fitness experts recommend taking at least 2,000 steps - equivalent to about one mile - per day to increase cardiovascular health.  To improve health and fitness, the Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes or more of continuous physical activity five or more days per week.

Walk101.com recommends the following Walking Tips for Beginners
 • Warm up your muscles slowly by walking at a normal pace for the first five minutes.
 • People who faithfully track caloric intake and usage are more likely to stick with their overall exercise program
   and have better long term results.
 • Walking at a 3-4 mph pace burns 90+ calories per mile; varies by body weight and metabolism.
 • Four laps around a track equals about one mile.
 • It takes 15-20 minutes for the average person to walk one mile at a moderate to brisk pace.
 • A pedometer with calorie a counting feature is a proven motivational tool.
 • The average person's stride is three feet: approximately 2,000 steps equal a mile.