Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Join gym, learn exercises like Towel Smith Row
Having spent more than my fair share of time inside fitness centers over the past two decades, I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen some members make amazing progress while others struggle. But I believe that a fitness center represents so much more than the results that are produced within its four walls.
It’s a place where smiles come easily, relationships blossom and communities come together.
This week, I’ll talk a little about the fitness center “experience” and how you can optimize yours. Plus, I’ll present a cool new exercise that takes advantage of one key piece of gym equipment that everyone uses.
There are few places where people from all economic levels, educational backgrounds and cultures come together for a common purpose on a daily basis. Schools, churches and a few other examples come to mind. But a fitness center is a unique environment that is filled with optimism, hope and positivity unlike any other.
Walking into any fitness center for the first time can be intimidating, even to experienced exercisers. You aren’t sure what the protocol is, what your favorite equipment will be and where it might be located, or how to find the locker room.
In these first few days, we rely on the staff and others to show us the way. As each day passes, we begin to learn the nuances of the environment and interact with other members more. After a few months, we feel “at home” within the fitness center. We spend a few more minutes with others, learn more about their lives and may even find a workout buddy.
In this way, fitness centers help communities come together. Barriers come down, prejudice is usually checked at the door and encouragement is a central theme.
If you’re an exerciser who prefers to exercise on your own at home or outdoors, I implore you to consider becoming a member of a fitness center this fall. Once you do, engage with others. The people within those walls can help you, and they need your help.
Exercise information sharing is something that happens every day within fitness centers. Employees share with members; members share with each other, and everyone learns new techniques.
Not long ago, I learned a new technique using a common fitness center amenity, the hand towel. This week’s exercise, the Towel Smith Row, features two hand towels like those commonly provided as part of the amenity package in larger fitness places.
1. Position a Smith machine bar three to five feet from the floor and wrap two hand towels around it.
2. Grasp the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and position yourself facing upward underneath the bar.
3. Grasp one towel with each hand, making sure you are gripping both ends of the towel securely and your hands stay about shoulder width apart. Your feet should be on the floor with your legs extended, and the bar should be at chest level with your arms fully extended.
4. Perform very slow rows by pulling with both hands as they hold onto the towels.
5. Bring the chest all the way to the bar, pause, then lower slowly back to the starting position.
6. Perform two sets of 12 repetitions.
This exercise is certainly “out of the box,” but I really think that’s what being a member of a fitness center is all about. Experiencing new ideas, new people and new movements are all part of the charm that fitness center membership provides.
Those of you who are already members understand. For those who aren’t, I hope you’ll try a free pass at your local fitness center today. Enjoy!