ParkTalk Podcast: Safety in Exercise and Nutrition

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Episode Description:

While exercising and dieting are incredibly important to living a healthy lifestyle, engaging in those practices incorrectly can be counterproductive and lead to other health issues. Neil Deatrick, a personal trainer from Fort Hill Activity Center, joins the podcast to share some tips and advice on working out and eating in a healthier, safer manner.

Quotes from the Episode:

How can someone learn the correct form on their own?

As far as building up fundamentals, I would always encourage people who are just dipping their toes into weigh training to start with cable stations. They have a very fixed range of motion and you can’t really deviate from the actual exercise intended for them. It takes a lot of the guess work out of the exercise. Focus on reducing the weight for yourself and mastering that technique, and once you’re feeling confident and comfortable, that’s a good time when you can start progressing. – Neil Deatrick

What is your advice to people who exercise outdoors regardless of the season?

Hydration is going to be key for a lot of people, especially if we’re outside in the heat. If you’re already feeling thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, so it’s good to be proactive. One thing a lot of people will overlook for themselves, especially for those doing prolonged exercises, is you’re going to need to replenish those electrolytes. – Neil Deatrick

What is your number one safety tip?

This is a little more philosophical in nature, but one of the biggest things I see people in the gym do is they’ll often compare themselves to the people they see at the gym and some people may get discouraged. It’s really easy to get caught up in that level of psychology, and that can strongly influence how you’re performing. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in the gym, make sure you’re taking everything at your own pace. – Neil Deatrick