Get a few reps in while on the trail
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/07/2018 (1793 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Transcona Trail, the 6.7-kilometre long asphalt path, runs from the east perimeter to Regent Avenue near Costco.
It is used daily by runners, walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers, folks in wheelchairs, and parents with children in strollers. Some are just out to enjoy the fresh air and a quiet stroll away from traffic, and others enjoy it for a serious cardio workout.
There is now a neat new fitness park that complements the trail — the aptly named Transcona Trail Park. Located at the corner of Hoka Street and McMeans Avenue West, about the mid-point on the trail, it makes a great pitstop for those wanting to supplement their cardio workout with some strength training. Essentially it is a park for grownups — there are no swings or slides here!
The park is bordered with nice wood fencing, has a wood-chip base, and some tall decorative grasses planted at the entrance with a welcoming park sign. There are also two benches to use for a well needed rest, one of which is under the shade of the trees. There are three pieces of equipment, which at first glance doesn’t look like much. However, each piece is designed for multiple exercises. If you use all suggested methods, you will have a full body workout by the time you are done.
The equipment is made by Healthy Beat specifically for outdoor parks. Each station has a diagram depicting how to use it properly, and also shows which muscles you are working out for that particular exercise. I would recommend first viewing their YouTube instructional videos at playlsi.com/hb
They demonstrate all their equipment, but you can easily skip to the ones pertaining to the park equipment.
One station features an ab crunch and leg lift, which looks easy, but when done properly and with the appropriate amount of repetitions for your comfort limit, provides a substantial workout. There is a push up station for your chest, lats and triceps. The assisted row concentrates on working the biceps and shoulders. The pullup and dip exercises work your back muscles and arms, as well as triceps and chest. Where there is a dial for determining different settings, as on the squat press, always start on the lowest setting and work up to what is comfortable.
Come out and try this park. It is a great way to work on your strength and flexibility – and it’s free!
Suzanne Hunter is a community correspondent for Transcona.