The Wake

Break time is over. The days of oversleeping and overeating have come to an end. As classes resume, it’s time to shake any chilly blues or snowy doldrums that might still be leering around. Yep, it’s time to get fit, both physically and scholastically. So throw out the excuses and throw on some workout clothes.

Here are a few sweat-producing, pound-dropping options for your exercise enjoyment:

U of M Recreation Center: Students often lose sight of the U’s Recreation Center. It’s located just south of University Avenue, across from the Sports Pavilion and Williams Arena and adjacent to Cooke Hall. Whether it’s weights, stationary bikes, aerobics, basketball, racquetball or perhaps some squash, the university’s Rec center can accommodate several indoor fitness activities. Hours of availability typically range from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The plus side is the Rec is free for all full-time students. The downside is this complex’s crowded nature and the parking challenge for those not within walking distance.

Van Cleve Park: About seven or eight blocks north of University Ave., on 15th Avenue, is where you will find this large public recreational area. If you’re looking to get those legs in shape, try one of Van Cleve’s ice rinks. This community park has three frosty sheets of ice: one for hockey, one for ice skating and the other for broomball. Whether you crave some competition or just want to burn some calories, any one of these activities can help cure the idleness your couch seems to corral you into. If you don’t have skates but do own a broom, bring that cleaning utensil out onto the ice and put it to good use. So put down the remote, stretch out your legs, strap up your skates (or boots) and bundle up for some frozen fun. Van Cleve is between Como Avenue and Rollins Street, on the east side of 15th Avenue, a warming house is available and there’s no charge.

Columbia Park: When golf season is no longer in session, Columbia golf course gets groomed into a winter recreation wonderland. Sledding hills and cross-country skiing-paths don the grounds of this 183-acre park. For those who are still a kid at heart, sledding down one of Columbia’s steep hills would be a fun way to spend a winter afternoon. For those looking for a more serious workout, the park provides what might be that physically enduring activity you’re looking for. The Columbia golf course’s clubhouse transforms into a warming house during the winter months. The clubhouse offers concessions such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot dogs, and also includes a rental office. Rental equipment includes snow tubes, and cross-country skis, poles and boots all for a nominal charge. Columbia Park is located north of downtown Minneapolis, at 3300 Central Ave., about 2.5 miles north of Hennepin Avenue.

Como Park Ski Center: Cross-country skiing within mere miles from the U of M campus can be found at this spacious ski complex. Similar to Columbia, Como Park takes advantage of its golf course by grooving its snowy patches of hillside into cross-country skiing trails. From 1.7 kilometers worth of beginner trails to 5 kilometers of more challenging terrain, Como’s picturesque environment provides its patrons a cross-country skiing experience that will produce strong legs and vivid memories. While Como does not have any terrifyingly tall ski slopes, they do offer skiing and snowboarding for beginner-style hills. Skis, boots, boards, etc. are available for rent at the facility’s Ski Chalet. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to –6 p.m. and Sundays 11a.m. to –6p.m. Como Park Ski Center is located at 1431 N. Lexington Parkway, south of Larpenteur Avenue in St. Paul.