Staying Fit in the Northland During Poor Air Quality

DULUTH, Minn. — With summer wildfire smoke blanketing the region and triggering repeated air quality alerts, local gyms offer ways to stay active indoors.

Northland Fitness, a 24/7-access gym in Lincoln Park says workout facilities are a great way to avoid the smoke and get your exercise in.

While Duluth is known for its scenic trails and active outdoor lifestyle, the smoke may restrict people from getting in their hikes, runs or bike rides.

Although the views may not be the same, indoor equipment can serve as an alternative to outdoor workouts.

“In terms of hiking and running, I mean, we do have stair climbers. It’s not quite as scenic, but you could always pop Netflix on your phone to pass the time. You could even put a treadmill on a substantial incline so it simulates walking up a hill. We have a spin bike, recumbent bike, upright bikes. We even have a rower and a skier, which is essentially like simulating skiing,” Griffin Hopf, Owner of Northland Fitness said.

For newcomers who may be unfamiliar to the gym or are unsure how to use equipment, Northland Fitness strives to provide a welcoming environment.

“The hardest part about going to the gym is getting in your car and going to the gym after that, the first few minutes you’re here, you should warm up to it. But we do get a lot of beginners here, a lot of people who are like, I’ve never been to a gym before. I feel very anxious in a gym. And what we tried to have done is establish a community where it’s very welcoming to beginners,” Hopf said.

As smoky skies persist, every new member at Northland Fitness receives a one-hour free personal training session to help them get accustomed to the gym and its equipment.