Fitness Equipment
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Ask Us: Park fitness courses need clear instructions | Local News

Melody G. Gillette

Q: Hi, I read recently about proposed updates to Hiniker Park that included outdoor fitness equipment. I live near Highland Park and MSU where there are trails that have this type of equipment and I rarely (to never) see any adults using it, though my children think it’s fun to climb on (and a bit dangerous). I exercise regularly and most of the equipment is so obscure that I would never use it. Has the city considered this as they update parks? It seems the money could be used on trails or other park upgrades that people actually utilize instead. Wondering if this is just trendy?

Thanks!

A: Mankato City Manager Susan Arntz actually addressed that issue when discussing the planned park upgrades at Hiniker Pond Park, although that part of the interview wasn’t included in the stories in The Free Press.

Arntz said it’s crucial that public exercise equipment

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Fitness Equipment
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Fitness Machine Technicians Earns Spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2021 List of Top 500 Franchises | News

Melody G. Gillette

MALVERN, Pa., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Fitness Machine Technicians, specialists in the maintenance and repair of exercise equipment for commercial and residential customers, today announces it has ranked #208 on Entrepreneur magazine’s list of top 500 franchises.

This highly competitive list recognizes the top 500 franchise brands that continued to grow and evolve in 2020 despite challenges faced in the industry across the U.S. Entrepreneur evaluates franchises based on five pillars:

  • Costs and fees
  • Size and growth
  • Support (i.e., training times, marketing support, operational support)
  • Brand strength (i.e., social media, years in business)
  • Financial strength and stability

“We value each and every one of our Franchise Machine Technicians franchisees and aim to provide top-notch support and training to ensure they feel confident in their respective markets, and we have the stability to back it up,” says Don Powers, CEO and Founder of Fitness Machine Technicians. “It’s an

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Fitness Equipment
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Gym owners still adjusting to shift in fitness industry created by the pandemic

Melody G. Gillette

CLEVELAND — The first of the year is usually when many gyms and fitness centers record a spike in new memberships. Oftentimes New Year’s resolutions involve more exercise or people looking to drop a few pounds. But, that surge of people rushing to the gym to get fit isn’t happening in 2021.

Instead, gym owners are dealing with lower attendance rates because of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases nationwide are keeping people at home and managing their physical fitness there.

“It’s been so stressful for people and it’s really wearing people down,” said Linda McVey, the executive director of health initiatives, at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.

McVey said the YMCA had fewer new memberships in January, a time when the club typically runs a special for new sign-ups. And while attendance rates are also lower, McVey said the YMCA is making it a point to reach out to members who

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Fitness Equipment
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7 Household Items That Are Fitness Equipment in Disguise

Melody G. Gillette


a woman standing in front of a window

© Photo: ShutterStock


A towel

One person’s towel is another person’s resistance band! Use a towel to help with stretching or for a killer arm workout. Looking for a leg challenge? On a smooth floor, assume the plank position with a small towel under each of your feet. Then, in a very slow and controlled manner, try gliding your legs apart and then back together again. Feel the burn!

A wall

You won’t find a home without at least four of these! Walls provide stability when you’re practicing some stretching, or working your quads and glutes by doing some wall-sits.

Stairs

Why invest in a StairMaster when you’ve got a perfectly good staircase at home? Walking or running the stairs is a great way to get your heart pumping and glutes burning—without spending a cent.

Soup cans, water bottles or laundry detergent jugs

Gallery: 18 Kitchen Organizing Mistakes Everyone

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