Darn You, Globo Gym!

And by Globo Gym, I most likely am referring to 24 Hour Fitness, City Sports Club, or any other big box gym you can think of. Why the sudden outrage? Well, a few months ago, I already wrote about the sad state of calisthenics parks in our area, and likely around the country.

I was quite disappointed that my favorite calisthenics park finally succumbed to neglect by the city, but I was soon happy to find on Google Maps that there was an alternative not too far away.

Unfortunately, I'd never really had the time to check it out, but today was the fateful day I was finally able to go, only to see...

Darn Globo Gym! You can't tell from the photo, but there are still fresh holes in the ground from where the pillars used to stand.

Why direct my frustration at big box gyms, you ask? Well, the answer is simple. It is no coincidence that the time when gym chains started to proliferate exactly coincides with when these "parcourse" parks no longer became a priority. It's up to individuals like us to keep them alive before they are all gone forever!

The worst thing is that unlike the previous one, which was made out of wood, this one was entirely metal, so there was absolutely no way that it was crumbling. Oh well, fortunately, the kids area was relatively empty, and so I was able to make the most of it. Muscle ups on the swing anyone?

RIP Free Gym

Not too long ago, I wrote an article about the pathetic state of calisthenics parks aka parcourse in the area. Well, no need to worry about that anymore. I was going about my morning routine the other day when I was rudely greeted by this.

The weird thing was that I was just at this park a few weeks ago filming my promotional video for MEELectronics. *Please vote for us by "Liking" the video on YouTube!*

I can't help but think that perhaps it was I who contributed to the demise of the park with my moves. Then again, I was merely doing what the equipment should have been intended for... had it actually been maintained properly. Good thing I wasn't actually working my magic when it collapsed! Then again, I could have sued the city for millions! Darn... missed opportunities are the story of my life.

To top if off, I got accosted by a homeless dude for infringing on his territory. The local parks and recreation will be receiving an e-mail shortly.

The Sad State of Calisthenics Parks

It's such a shame that these once plentiful calisthenics parks (also known as parcourse, from the same root as parkour) have all fallen into a state of disrepair. That is... for the ones that actually still exist. And people wonder why the youth obesity rate is now reaching epidemic proportions. There just aren't any places left for them to be active anymore. Fortunately, this one near us is still intact, but for how long, who knows...

Honestly, a lot of it also has to do with the advent of the gym chains. These parks were thriving well into the late 80's, and early 90's. I'm sure a lot of us remember fondly the fun times we had there with our parents as wee little lads. However, once the big fitness corporations came along, leading everyone to think that lifting weights is the only way to go for staying in shape, say good bye to these poor little parcourse facilities. Of course, we at First Cut Fitness are not anti-gym by any means, but we can all acknowledge their role in this rapid decline.

What is even more sad is that it's not just the calisthenics parks. The entire playgrounds seem to be deteriorating, as the budget for the recreational amenities has been severely cut back by the government. As a collective, we need to lobby with the higher ups to put an end to this. Picture this. What is going to cost more money? Maintaining the parks system and promoting to people of all ages the merits of staying active? Or the exorbitant cost of health care, welfare, and other social programs needed to care for those in less than ideal health?

These pictures below from the same park as above pretty much tell you how much the government cares about the play areas these days. To quote a former presidential candidate... time for a change!

 

Sorry little Billy! Why don't you go home, sit on your duff all day while stuffing your face with gobs of Oreo ice cream, and play some Mass Effect 3 on your X-Box instead? You are the future of America! We are counting on you!