March 12, 2024
Sponsored by the American Heart Association, National Walking Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday of April. The annual event is a call-to-action to increase physical activity by starting with a 30-minute walk during the day. To celebrate, we are profiling the driving force behind the City of Malden Massachusetts’ Fitness Court®, Coach Julio Salado. In this Q&A, you’ll hear Coach Julio’s passion for building community with his free Nature's Gym walking and fitness group – and what excites him in what is to be an action-packed 2024!
Q: What does health and wellness mean to you? Why did you become a personal trainer?
A: Health and wellness for me is a two-pronged approach:
Education and motivation: I believe everyone, regardless of age or ability, deserves to understand the power of movement. Physical activity goes beyond aesthetics – it boosts mental well-being, helps prevent disease, and doesn't have to be confined to gyms. You can have a blast while getting active! There's a whole world of possibilities, from group fitness classes to outdoor adventures.
Building bridges and empowering communities: I'm passionate about meeting people where they are in their fitness journey and showing them the variety of activities that can fit their needs and make exercise enjoyable. Health and wellness aren’t a destination; it's a personalized path filled with celebrating progress alongside a supportive community. My goal is to help individuals define their own achievable goals and connect with like-minded people who share their journey.
Q: Why personal training?
A: It all boils down to two things:
Q: How did you hear about Malden getting a Fitness Court®?
I learned about the Fitness Court® at Callahan Park through my involvement with the Malden Department of Recreation!
Q: What excited you about the Fitness Court®?
A: Honestly, there's so much to love about the Fitness Court®! For starters, the body-weight equipment is fantastic. It can be easily modified for any fitness level, making it truly inclusive. The weather-resistant structure ensures year-round access, which is a huge plus.
But what truly impressed me is the user-friendliness. The clear instructions on the side panels guide you through a workout circuit, targeting everything from core muscles to pulling, pressing, and agility exercises. This is perfect for those who want a structured routine, but also want some flexibility. Labeled numbered areas let you personalize your workout, and the Fitness Court® App provides even more exercise variations and motivation.
The biggest win, however, is accessibility. Not everyone has access to a gym membership or equipment at home. The Fitness Court provides healthy infrastructure, a free and convenient way for everyone in the community to get active safely, either on their own or with others. This is a fantastic resource for Malden, and it's no surprise that other communities are now interested in this healthy infrastructure!
Q: How has the Fitness Court® enhanced your own workouts and training plans for clients you work with?
A: The Fitness Court® has been a game-changer for both my own workouts and my clients' training plans!
Personally, I think the outdoor environment is a huge benefit. As someone living with clinical depression, I find that being outside connects me more to nature and the community. Sometimes, I supplement my workout with jump rope or simply enjoy the sunshine. The social interaction, like meeting dog walkers or families exploring the Fitness Court®, adds another layer of positivity to the experience.
For my clients, the Fitness Court® offers a welcome escape from the gym or limited home equipment. We can now design full outdoor workouts! The beauty is the exercises are always personalized to their fitness goals. The Fitness Court®'s equipment allows us to target everything from strength and cardio to flexibility and agility, all while keeping it fun and engaging.
Overall, the Fitness Court® provides a fantastic environment that benefits both my own well-being and my clients' training needs.
Q: How did the walking and fitness group come to be? How many folks are involved?
A: "Nature's Gym" walking and fitness group was born out of my passion for promoting accessible fitness and a love for the outdoors! Combining the Malden Fitness Court®'s accessibility with the benefits of group exercise, I knew it would be a perfect fit. The first event was a fantastic success! We had a diverse group of participants from Malden and surrounding cities. Some folks were curious about the Fitness Court®, while others came seeking social connections and motivation. After our workout, we embarked on a 2-mile walk, fostering a sense of community and getting to know each other better. Everyone left feeling energized, with new friendships formed and a renewed commitment to staying active. It was truly inspiring to see people of different ages and abilities supporting each other with exercise form and motivation.
The response has been overwhelming! Over 40 people signed up, and the group is steadily growing. The first event saw close to 10 participants, and we're expecting a bigger turnout for the upcoming sessions. Our focus remains the same: fostering a sense of community and empowering people to embrace a healthier lifestyle together.
Q: What excites you right now? Do you have big plans and goals for 2024 you'd like to share?
A: Seeing the Malden Fitness Court® become a hub for community wellness! I'm energized by the prospect of hosting frequent Fitness Court® events that bring people together. My vision is to involve non-profits, small businesses, and other community groups, creating a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
Ultimately, I want to help people find a healthy work-life balance. The Fitness Court® offers a convenient and accessible way to get active, and I want to show everyone that they are welcome!
