Here is how I used the free health station at a San Antonio park

0
460

Before it rained in San Antonio on Monday night, I took a free gym to the nearest park in San Antonio to work out instead of going to my gym. I wanted to see if I could do a full-body exercise only with the freely usable stations in the city parks.

The short answer is you will feel the burn (still in my arms and legs as of Wednesday).

Look, I’m not a trainer or a gym rat. Before the Texas blizzard, I used to go to the gym at least four times a week. But since the Arctic freezes, my training regiment has shrunk to the weekends because I’ve become a couch potato after the workday.

ALSO READ: The farm in the San Antonio area hosts the BloomFest with over 40 kid-friendly activities

However, after my session at New Territories Park on Bowen Drive, I changed my mind and intend to get back on the ball. This is the same mentality that the city of San Antonio wanted to inspire when they installed these free fitness parks.

In 2011, a dozen stations began populating parks across the city, acquired through a Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant from Metro Health funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a stimulus package that was passed by Congress and signed by former President Barack Obama. The CPPW aimed to fight obesity and related diseases in San Antonio. Ten years later, the city claims more than 30 stations scattered across parks.

Connie Swann, city parks and recreation marketing manager, noted that many of the locations were selected based on equity factors and data from Metro Health targeting areas with high health risk factors.

The city unveiled its newest and newest outdoor fitness station in Normoyle Park (700 Culberson) in 2019, this time funded by AARP.

But make no mistake, the equipment there doesn’t look like the four stations in my little park on the northwest side. Different manufacturers mean that not all stations look the same, so at least you won’t get bored mixing in new parks.

–––

New Territories Park

9023 Bowen Drive

Fitness station in New Territories Park

Priscilla Aguirre

For a small neighborhood park, this is a great little area. There is a fenced dog park, playground, and a nice, brisk, 33-mile hiking trail that leads to tennis and basketball courts (I paced back and forth to do cardio).

The four stationary parts at the fitness station are suitable for everyone who works on arms, legs and abdominal muscles. The shadow over the device is a cute touch too, as the sun usually shines around 5:30 p.m.

Tip: Wipe the machines with some alcohol wipes before and after use. Nobody used them when I left, but it’s safe and right. Also, pack a hand sanitizer in your trusted belt pouch.

legs

Fitness station in New Territories Park
Fitness station in New Territories Park

Priscilla Aguirre, MySA.com

Before jumping on a machine, I stretched for about five minutes (it’s important to do this, or so I was told). I usually just touch my toes, move my arms, and jump in place while standing.

After I loosened up, I did some squats, like many of them. You don’t need the equipment for that. I pumped out four work sets of 20 reps with a two-second negative on each rep (count to two when crouching).

The seated leg press was easy to use and effective as I used it in two ways. I did four sets of 12 with a positive of three seconds on each rep (I held my legs for three seconds when I pushed against the machine). I then worked on my calves and used the leg press to do three sets of 20 calf raises (hold two seconds on each rep).

And there you have it, three exercises to get a burn in your quads and calves.

chest

Priscilla Aguirre, MySA.com

Before using the seated vertical press, I got on the floor and did two sets of 15 pushups. The area was pretty clean and I made sure to use hand sanitizer after touching the floor.

Using the chest press, I pushed my arms out and cranked out three sets of 10s (I’m weak and my arms hurt after my push-ups). It was also squeaky and difficult to squeeze, like it hadn’t been used in years. The other side of this chest press does the same for your muscles, only standing. I didn’t use it because it didn’t move back and forth well either (unless I got it wrong, but I gave up).

Abs and triceps

Fitness station in New Territories Park
Fitness station in New Territories Park

Priscilla Aguirre, MySA.com

For some core work, I used the bench to do crunches and sit-ups (five sets of 12s for each with a three second hold for each rep). I put my feet behind the bar on the front bench and laid my head in the direction of the Strider machine.

After working on my abs a bit, I switched to triceps dips (3 sets of 10) with the parallel bars at the end of the bench. I held up my entire body weight, arms outstretched back and feet planted on the floor. Tip: Lower your body until your elbows reach a 90-degree angle before returning to your starting position.

Cardio

Fitness station in New Territories Park
Fitness station in New Territories Park

Priscilla Aguirre, MySA.com

The Strider machine left me a little confused at first. I wasn’t sure how to use it and had to google it for more information. It turns out it’s good for cardio (which I love).

I jumped up for about 15 minutes, increasing the speed every three minutes. Tip: hold onto the support bar as it can easily fall if you don’t have a lot of balance in your legs. It’s also a little terrifying to navigate through turning it on and off. So keep your warning in mind.

After using it, I went the trail to cool down and get some more cardio (like I said, I love cardio). My training only lasted about an hour, but that’s why I took a lot of breaks. I’m definitely adding this to my training plan as outdoor exercise inspired me and developed a different (and safe) approach to training in public during the pandemic.