It’s a New Year and most people make the resolution to get fit. But if joining a gym isn’t for you, 7s Christine Cruz shows us how a trip to your public park can provide fun and free fitness.
WSVN — Terry and Bill Cairns look like the perfectly fit couple. But that wasn’t always the case. Just a few years ago Terry was 60 pounds overweight.
Terry Cairns: “Realized that I wasn’t in shape and I was feeling kinda awful, and decided I had to do something about it.”
So they started walking together at TY Park in Hollywood.
Terry Cairns: “It was so relaxing after a stressful day you come to the park, you see the squirrels playing, you see kids playing.”
And before they knew it they were jogging together.
Bill Cairns: “Get some fresh air with a regular run it’s a lot different than treadmills and that kind of workout.”
And now they can get the same kind of workout they would at a gym.
The park just opened the Memorial Fitness Zone. An area with gym-style equipment for those who can’t afford to join a gym or feel intimidated.
Rob Herzog: “Sure you’re going to save some money and it doesn’t cost to join, but the intimidation factor is going to be gone.”
There’s a seated chest press which adjusts using your own body’s resistance.
Rob Herzog: “You can make it as hard as you want, there’s a couple different grips this one is a little harder to do.”
The leg squat is great to help improve balance.
Rob Herzog: “Doing the exercise is very smooth which is important to the knees and the hips.”
There’s a stepper very similar to one you will find in a gym.
Rob Herzog: “It gives you the same workout, all the major muscle groups in the legs and the hips.”
And this shoulder press is great for building muscle strength.
Rob Herzog: “Excellent exercise, very important to do, one set of 10, 15 reps is a good idea.”
Bill and Terry start with a 2-mile run and now finish with a workout on the machines.
Terry says if she can get in shape anyone can you just have to take that first step.
Terry Cairns: “It doesn’t have to be a big step, the next day you take two steps. But just a little change at a time will make a huge difference in the long term.”
Christine Cruz: “Rob says if you are just starting out try each machine once for about 15 reps to get familiar. Also, check with your doctor before starting any fitness regimen.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.broward.org/parks/topeekeegeeyugneepark