Outdoor or indoor, activity does not have to stop in frigid weather

This winter's extreme cold may be causing businesses and schools to close, but it's not keeping everyone at home.

Many people are still finding ways to stay active despite the cold, and experts say people should take extra precautions with outdoor activities in the harsh weather.

Sarah Prout, marketing manager at Cabela's in East Grand Forks, said the store has stayed busy, especially in the ice fishing department.

"The cold weather certainly doesn't stop the anglers at all," Prout said.

Many customers have asked for extra clothing and tips on staying warm while outdoors, she said.

Customers of The Ski and Bike Shop in Grand Forks are also asking for extra clothing layers, said Pat White, co-owner of the store.

"Some people are staying inside, but people who like the winter months are still finding a way to get out and go," Prout said.

Mike Olson, partner at online forum fishaddictions.com out of Grand Forks, said he's seeing the same thing -- people asking questions about how they can stay safe and warm while keeping active with the sport they love.

Many ice fishers this year are using permanent houses instead of portable ones, because they're easier to keep warm, Olson said.

"People are still out there fishing, just not the way they maybe would be," if it were warmer, he said.

Both White and Olson said they have seen some decline in people participating in outdoor activities because of this winter's extreme cold.

It's only the "hardcore fishermen" still going, Olson said.

Some cross-country skiers may be deciding to rent skis instead of buying them this winter, because it's not as easy to get out with temperatures below zero in double-digits, White said.

Active indoors

White added that he thinks some of his customers may be opting for indoor gyms and fitness centers because of the frigid cold.

"I think for the most part, there's a certain amount of being sensible," he said. "Everyone's first choice is to be outside, but with this weather, there are a lot more smarter, safer choices than going outside."

Snap Fitness in Grand Forks hasn't seen an increase in customers due to the cold, but the indoor fitness center has stayed busy, said Kathy Bohlman, manager.

Bohlman said there's usually an increase in business in January because of New Year's resolutions, but she doesn't attribute it to the cold this year.

But the weather hasn't stopped people from coming either, she said. "We find that North Dakotans are pretty hearty," Bohlman said. When it comes to dedicated gym members, "nothing really stops them."

Patti McEnroe, healthy living director at the Y in Grand Forks, said that people who come into the center seem happy to just have somewhere to exercise after being cooped up indoors because of the cold.

"People generally feel in better moods when they're active," she said.

She encourages people to go to gyms and stay active in the winter, for social and physical benefits, including an overall boost in mood.

"A lot of people don't even want to step outside, but if you can just take that step," McEnroe said. "When it's cold, people tend to want to hibernate, but humans aren't supposed to hibernate, we're intended to be moving."

And if people bundle up, McEnroe said, exercising outside is a good option, too.

"Once you get moving in the wintertime, you warm up pretty fast," she said.

White, Olson and Prout all expressed the need for people to make sure they are warm and safe while exercising outside this winter.

It's possible to exercise outside safely in frigid cold weather, but people should plan for how long they're going to be out and make sure they are wearing enough layers to stay warm, White said.

"You kind of have to build up to it," he said, but "you can pull it off."

Call Haley at (701) 780-1102; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1102; or send email to chaley@gfherald.com .