One Band at Flamingo Park
The Subconscious Fat of turning free park equipment into a better workout
Mr. Skeptical and I are at Flamingo Park. I want to show how one band can help one get a better workout.
The Flamingo Park fitness zone has machines that use one’s body weight to assist in getting a resistance workout. Anyone can use the park; even parking is free, a luxury in South Beach.
However, the resistance is often not enough for someone fit. This is where a band comes in handy.
Subconscious Fat at 30,000 feet
I’m doing a shoulder press in the pic above, but it’s not enough resistance. However, in the pic below, I added a band, which increases the resistance, making for a much better workout.
Mr. Skeptical laughs, “You look like your straining, sitting on a toilet.”
I pretend I don’t hear his rude comment.
Subconscious Fat at 10,000 feet
I’m using my body weight for a leg-press-type workout in the pic below. However, as my face shows, it’s not enough resistance.
A band is added, and good resistance is reached in the picture below.
In the pic above, there’s a seat to do a dip, but it’s not enough weight for me. In the pic below, I figured out how to add the band to increase resistance, but it still wasn’t enough.
Mr. Skeptical adds, “You look like an idiot trying to figure out ways to add the band to create resistance. Others look at you funny.”
I give Mr. Skeptical a stern look and add, “Franky, I don’t give a damn what you or anyone else at the park thinks.”
Subconscious Fat at Eye-Level
Above, I’m doing a pull-in row. Not enough. Below, I add the band and get much better resistance.
Below, I felt the machine was worthless. It’s supposed to work out the critical hip muscles, yet there’s no tension.
To create resistance, I place the band between my feet in the pic below. This works, making my hip muscles get a much better workout.
In the pic below, I don’t need a band to do pull-ups. But a band can make it much easier if someone finds them challenging.
Practical Suggestions and Conclusions
Out of the different exercises I covered today, the band helped create more and better resistance in five of the six exercises. That makes bringing a band to the fitness zone at Flamingo Park worth it.
Mr. Skeptical gives me a dirty look. “Not for me. I think using bands is for wimps.”
I glare at Mr. Skeptical and add, “Whether you think it’s wimpy doesn’t matter. It still makes the workout better because more resistance is added.”
He walks away with a snobbish look on his face. “I wouldn’t bother working out at a fitness zone anyway. I want the weights. Besides, there were a bunch of old people there.”
I fire back, “We’re all getting older, not younger. Have a little respect for the elderly, jerk.”
He continues to walk away but gives me the finger while doing so.
In conclusion, respect older adults realize we’re all headed in that direction.
Although Mr. Skeptical never seems to age!
If you live near a park with a free fitness zone, adding a band can make a big difference, helping you get a better workout.
Be aware.
PS Links in Facebook and Instagram. Full disclosure: Chat GPT was used to research and enhance this post.
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