Let's Get Stronger!
What does it mean to be strong? There are many different kinds of strengths– emotional, mental, physical– that make up a person’s composition. Often the most praised aspect of strength is physical. Large muscles and the capacity to push the body to its limit is revered in the fitness world. But how can strength be measured?
Lift Vault, an online resource for strength training and bodybuilding put this notion to the test with five years of data on Americans, focusing on three main criteria: squats, bench press and deadlifts. The data was gathered by Open Powerlifting, a software that calculates strength based on weight, number of reps and RPE or rate of perceived exertion, which basically measures the intensity of the physical activity. Over five years the data was collected and the results came in with Texas, Virginia, New York, California and North Carolina in the top five strongest states. Although Idaho didn’t land in the bottom five with Montana, West Virginia, Wyoming, North Dakota and Vermont, the Gem State placed 39th out of 50.
Idaho averaged 520 pound squat, 338 pound bench press and 572 pound deadlift compared to number one Texas who averaged 687 pound squat, 438 pound bench press and 743 pound deadlift.
While Idaho statistically may not have come in first place, this survey doesn’t take into account overall health and fitness abilities. There are so many outdoor activities available all year round; Idahoans have no shortage of access to an active lifestyle. With the many lakes and mountains in the surrounding area, there is so much to do to keep fit and stay strong regardless of how much you can press. Not everyone is going to be a bodybuilder, so is that the most accurate measure of strength? What about endurance? Or stamina over hours clocked at the gym? Or miles run on uneven terrain? Or miles swam in one of the many pools located at various fitness centers in Coeur d’Alene.
There are a lot of local options for those looking to workout in North Idaho. From Planet Fitness on Hanley to the Kroc Center on Ramsey complete with a lazy river for children, to Peak Fitness in midtown and 360 Fitness downtown– there is an experience for everyone.
Erich Hoffeld, a regular at Peak Fitness, started working out in his early 30s. “It was always important to me because it was the one thing I could do for myself. I was always focused on my family and work. I needed a healthy escape.”
Hoffeld works out six days a week, lifting for three and running for three. Native to Coeur d'Alene, Hoffeld's observations come from experience. “Idahoans have a variety of athletic types. We live here because we love the year-round outdoor activities. It's not all about being able to lift a lot of weight at the gym. The people here are fit for what they enjoy, which is trail running, hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, water sports, etc.”
Hoffeld also notes that what makes Coeur d'Alene a great place to workout is all the open spaces.
“You don't need a gym if you're motivated enough,” Hoffeld states matter-of-factly. “The Centennial Trail offers miles and miles of running options. If you want to hike, Tubbs Hill, Canfield Mountain, 4th of July, Mineral Ridge, and Cougar Gulch are close to town.” As an avid outdoorsman, Hoffeld has noticed areas in need of improvement. “My suggestion to the city would be to update the outdoor equipment along Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive on the way to Higgins Point. It is a great running path but the equipment is outdated and nobody uses it. Working out during COVID made that apparent. They don't even have a pullup bar.”
Savannah Buppert is a new mom and, despite the daily challenges of motherhood, manages to balance her commitment to the gym and her newfound motherhood. “I’ve been working out for two years now. Being pregnant honestly impacted my fitness much more than I anticipated. During the first trimester I was so nauseous I couldn’t do more than light yoga. During the second trimester, I stuck to weightlifting and swimming. For the last two months all I could do was waddle to the gym occasionally to swim.”
After her child was born she found herself living a very new normal. “Working out postpartum has honestly been easier than I thought it would be. I love weightlifting and try to make it to the gym at least four times per week. I usually have two upper body days and two lower body days. The gym is my main source of exercise. That and walking the baby. My ultimate fitness goal is to compete in a bikini competition in October."
Family is an important piece of the puzzle and an opportunity to share healthy lifestyles with the next generation.
Judy Bergstein, another Coeur d'Alene local, prefers working out at the Kroc Center with her kids.
“I love how much the Kroc Center offers. From a wide range of daily classes, family pool time, a huge range of the newest equipment and a great child care center so that my daughter can do her homework and play video games while I get in my work out. It kind of has everything.”
Logan Ruf, a student and software engineer, goes to 360 Fitness downtown. “I work out three times per week,” Logan says. “Strength is admitting your weakness to yourself isn’t a weakness and overcoming them. It’s an opportunity to grow.”
Regardless of whether you’re interested in getting fit at the gym or not, there is a sense of an active lifestyle inherent in life in North Idaho in particular. There are so many resources for anyone looking to get into shape-no matter what level.
