A pair of sexy legs weaves its way across a soft, vacuumed rug, around a curve, and through a long, narrow hallway.
Suddenly these shapely stems, which are wrapped in shiny spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. The long queue of games seems endless. They are shaking, they are baking, they are working like jackhammers, together in harmony, as if they are all drilling for oil.
The machines drown out the din of the disco on the overhead speakers. All he hears, aside from the constant hum of machinery, is metal on metal, minus the grease stain.
Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.
The stunning blonde attached to these legs looks down on a dark screen. At first, it looks like he’s about to enjoy a game of Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but in reality, his later fun is of a very different variety. This woman is about to exercise.
After hitting a few keys like it’s tax time, her hips begin to move slowly, and just like that, the fun has begun.
Needless to say, the year is 1999 and what was once achieved with such basic simplicity has now entered the world of high-tech devices and advanced microchips.
For a new customer, just walking in the door, it all seems a bit pretentious when looking over the array of Stairmasters, Steppers, treadmills and stationary bikes.
The observer smiles and laughs, knowing full well that, not long ago, for the purpose at hand, two legs and an old pair of Nikes was all that was required.
Yet the art of running seems like a forgotten trade, not just to the casual observer, but to the fitness public at large. For mainstream folks looking to thwart the flab (and maybe engage in the social aspects), a nice, honest jog through the park loses out to a sweat session on the stairs any workday of the week.
However, one fact remains, the same fact that has survived both the test of time and the endless evolution of technology. Nothing will help you get in shape faster and more efficiently than a good primitive run.
In addition to fresh air that expands your lung capacity, something you can’t get in an indoor gym, running continues to lead in conditioning, burning fat, and keeping your heart rate up. Just compare three miles down Main Street to the same distance on a treadmill’s rubber conveyor belt. The difference in the way you feel is incredible.
But one of those concepts that influences the demise of running is the belief that it is a muscular man’s worst enemy. Reports that running will chisel away that hard-earned beef have been relentless. Thus, the running craze has reached a tipping point, almost seemingly limited to the hard-core crowd.
Experts say that the ideal method, however, to avoid such a tragedy is to jog lightly for the first twenty minutes and then increase to a more vigorous pace thereafter. After the twenty minute segment, the body generally gets into the business of burning fat instead of the business of consuming muscle. Staying at a steady, moderate pace (say 70 percent) and ditching any hope of becoming the next Jesse Owens would seem like the most logical approach, especially for new running backs.
Besides, doesn’t a nice walk down a quiet country lane among the birds and trees sound appealing? Isn’t that better than gawking at the sweat-soaked back of the guy on the Stairmaster in front of you?
If this is you, maybe it’s time to leave the noisy treadmills and creaky stationary bikes behind…far enough to choke on dust.