TREADMILL MAYBE NOT BEST CHOICE IN THE GYM 

If you’re aiming to be healthy beyond fifty forget the Treadmill.

First thing I suppose I think of when someone talking about starting an exercise program is a “gym.”  Is that the best choice, though?  Many over fifties go to the gym. We’ve heard we need something to challenge the cardio-vascular system and we need weight training for stronger bones.

But weight training is hard for many of us because we don’t know how to use the equipment that’s in a gym. The only thing that looks familiar is the thing you walk and run on. so we end up running on it–the treadmill. 

I went to a gym for a while where you go from one machine to the next.  The person in charge showed me briefly what to do on the machines, but I never really understood.  She didn’t come back, check on me, or offer suggestions.

LITTLE INDIVIDUAL COACHING IN A GYM

Raul: “That’s exactly it.  A lot of people don’t know how to use the equipment, and that’s when they get injured.  I started this facility because I wanted to teach people how to use the equipment. I wanted to work with people so they won’t get hurt and won’t be afraid.  I want to work with people.

When you go to a gym you won’t get individual teaching, coaching. You just won’t get that at a gym.  It’s not there. I don’t want people afraid to work out on the equipment, be afraid to move, to exercise.”

RUNNING ON THE TREADMILL, WASTE OF TIME?

What about running on the treadmill?  Seems to me that’s what a lot of people are choosing when they go to the gym.

Raul: “You’re talking to an individual who doesn’t like the treadmill. I’m sorry if I offend people, but treadmills are for lazy people.  They don’t want to go outside  and do something.” 

“Go outside and move.  In our everyday lives we don’t always move straight ahead. We move in different directions. I tell people to go to the park, go outside and move.  Move around obstacles, walk around, climb.”

“On a treadmill you’re always moving straight ahead.  When you go to the grocery store you’re not moving straight ahead. Set up an obstacle course for yourself, move around objects.  A lot of people don’t put effort into it, not like they would if they were walking up a nice steep hill.”

I think the treadmill is what the majority of people do when they get older.  They walk the treadmill because that’s what they’re able to do.  They’re able to do it, and they have noone to help them learn something else.

Raul: It’s great to have a walking partner.  It’s much more fun and you’re be able to stick to a routine and stick to a plan if you have a partner. You can challenge each other.  It’s much more fun.  If it’s not fun, if you don’t come closer to your goals you’re not going to stick with it.”

So true, Raul.  Thanks for the encouragement.  I’ve never enjoyed treadmills.  boring, no fresh air, no flowers, no birds…

I’ll take hiking in the Ruby Mountains any day!

P.S. Next video: I told Raul what the word around town was about his Fitness Center…

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