Just beyond the entry to the Signal Hill walking trail, sits this exercise station with posted instructions for use.

In all of the times I’ve been on this trail over the past 4 or 5 years (and those are too numerous to count), I’ve not once seen anyone using the equipment. I’ve never used it and I know I likely never will. I can’t recall the last time I did a chin-up (likely elementary school, and I’m pretty certain that I wasn’t successful at it back then).

Most people running, biking, and walking on these paths have completed their warm up pace before their arrival at this point, and are now moving fairly fast. They all seem to be on a mission to reach their pace and distance goals. A stop at this point (unless to take a photo, of course) would be counterproductive.

Those who aren’t on that type of mission are out for a leisurely stroll in the nature habitat and very likely have no inclination to start that most enjoyable walk with strength training.

I think the intent was good. I’m guessing that someone who was on the planning committee for the trail belonged to one of our local gyms and didn’t recognize that an outdoor trail through a nature habitat is less likely to require exercise variety than an indoor track. These fitness stations are at other locations in our city, but the others are all connected to school athletic tracks.

In my mind, this equipment is out of place in this particular spot. What do you think?

Photo Note: I made only a quick stop for my feature photo, so I didn’t get the best angle. Some of the equipment was hidden by the instruction sign. In post processing, I straightened the horizon and corrected the white balance.

“We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.”

Oscar Wilde