People using the Badlands Community Facility early in the morning are getting used to a familiar sight.
Drumheller resident and senior Dale Gimbel can often be found in the fitness centre early in the morning hopping between the treadmill and the sit-step. Or one might pass by him as he bounds up the stairs.
When Gimbel started working out a month ago, those same stairs might as well have been a small mountain.
“A month ago I found it hard to walk up those stairs, that’s how bad I was,” said Gimbel. “Now, I can climb up them easily.”
For an hour at least each day Gimbel does a light workout, consisting of five minutes on the treadmill and ten minutes on the sit-step. The sit-step is a machine that works the legs and arms while sitting down and is specifically designed for persons with limited mobility.
“It isn’t really heavy, what I’m doing,” said Gimbel. “For now anyway. I’m coming along.”
Before the Community Facility opened, Gimbel spent his time at the Pioneer Trail Centre or at home. There wasn’t much physical activity in his life.
Gimbel learned about the fitness centre just before the Community Facility opened and decided to give it a chance. Now Gimbel describes himself as hooked.
Not only has his general fitness improved dramatically, he feels better all around and has a much more positive attitude.
One of the pieces of advice Gimbel gives to anyone wishing to give fitness a try is to take things slow.
“You don’t want to overdo it either. I decided to work into it gradually and it’s working out fine,” said Gimbel.
Fitness centre users may soon see Gimbel expanding his workout to include other machines. He explained that his current workout is great for just starting out.
The Badlands Community Facility is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
“I’m a senior citizen, not that young, but I have improved myself,” said Gimbel. “It’s a great place to come. If you’re not in shape to start with, there’s machines to help get you stronger.”