Local view: The path to physical fitness begins with small STEPS

We all have them, or at least most of us do: reasons we can’t exercise. “There’s no time” or “I’m too out of shape” or “I don’t have the energy.” There are plenty of excuses, and that’s what made the third annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes Walkathon at Udac so magical last month.

Nearly 150 walkers put aside all excuses to participate in this year’s event. These dedicated community members raised a record $36,000 in pledges and in-kind donations to support Udac’s STEPS Fitness Center.

The STEPS Fitness Center opened just over six years ago in Udac, a nonprofit organization that provides customized services to people with disabilities and other challenges. The center filled a void in our community.

Traditional workout facilities can be intimidating for novice athletes, let alone people with disabilities and other challenges. We wanted to open a place where people with a broad range of abilities could work out under the close supervision of a trainer. The goal was to enable them to exercise at their own pace and according to their own abilities to meet their own goals.

We raised money to open the center, featuring a few exercise steps, treadmills and stationary bicycles, surrounded with support and encouragement.

Since opening STEPS, members have lost more than

1,600 pounds and countless inches. These members had never given excuses about why they couldn’t exercise. They simply had never been given the chance.

One visit to the center and you can see there isn’t an obstacle that can’t be overcome. We have members with traumatic brain injuries, Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, while others are recovering from cancer. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’re dealing with in your life, you can still find ways to be as healthy as possible.

Some members couldn’t use an exercise step when they first started working out, and now they’re waiting to use elliptical machines. The progress is rewarding but also presents a financial challenge.

Udac is not reimbursed for providing the workout facility. We initially thought more people would be able to buy memberships but soon realized many potential members couldn’t afford the $30 monthly fee. If they want to exercise, we do not want to turn them away.

That’s where the annual walkathon comes in. Because of the many corporate sponsors, individual participants and their friends, family and co-workers who pledged support, the fundraiser allows us to continue to provide life-changing opportunities to work out.

Among our most notable walkers this year were several student athletes from the University of Minnesota Duluth. These young adults clearly understood the value of exercise and brought a great energy to the event. It was great to see the leaders of tomorrow engaged in our community now and taking action to make a difference.

We’re already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, we invite interested community members and people unable to work out in traditional exercise facilities to stop by for a tour and to learn more about STEPS.

Together, we’re eliminating obstacles and empowering all with the chance to exercise.

Bobbie Lenz is executive director of Udac, a Duluth nonprofit. Kathy Bray is a Udac board member and chairwoman of Udac’s Fund Development Committee.

Tags: opinion, editorials, columnists, health