Creative fitness hacks: Eric's Maine Woods Gym

When I first heard a fascinating story about a guy who had a gym in the middle of the Maine woods, I thought that that idea seemed like someone who decided to have a suntan parlor in the Caribbean. I always thought of Maine as a place where there was lots of outdoor activity all year round of every kind. Camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting and in the winter everything from skiing, snowshoeing, and plain old shoveling snow — everyone was fit and strong and ready for anything.

That was until I heard about Eric, an amazing man. He wasn’t exactly a Maine native. He got tired of living in Miami during the Covid years, having to wear a mask and all cooped up. So, he decided to get away from it all and drove his pickup all the way to a remote place in Maine where his father had bought land about 50 years ago so his kids, family and relatives had a place to vacation each summer in the cool north woods surrounded by untouched nature, ancient trees, streams and lakes, all peaceful and quiet.

Eric had built a cabin there about 20 years previously. At first there was no electricity, water, or plumbing. Over time, he installed some solar panels and rigged up systems for basic amenities, but in spite of the improvements it was still quite basic — and in its own way very pretty, even beautiful!

"Eric’s Maine Woods Gym has a trail for running (run forest run), and a series of exercises for stretching, and for strength. They provide all the basic exercises for a whole-body workout!  It starts right outside his kitchen window in the beautiful Maine woods!"

Eric had retired from his work as a chef in various Miami venues, including a world-famous hotel, so he knew a thing or two about cooking. In Maine, his skills were in demand, and he volunteered for a local organization that provided food for the needy. This gave him something to do but he still had lots of time to enjoy the great Maine outdoors, travel around, and relax.

He got the notion one day to do some exercising and you’ll never guess what that notion turned into! It went from one step in the woods to the next step, each step being one exercise activity. It must have taken him a while to get it all done. Along the route there are quaint signs indicating what the activity is or just the name he gave to it.

Eric’s Maine Woods Gym has a trail for running (Fun Forest Run), and a series of exercises for stretching, and for strength. They provide all the basic exercises for a whole-body workout!  It starts right outside his kitchen window in the beautiful Maine woods! What a great creative fitness hack!

You’ll see it all in the video. It starts with his cabin and kitchen, then his campsite followed by ‘heading to the first station’. The trail continues; Jim Beam walk the line, Bow Saw Pullup (pully and weight), the Shoulder Boulder Drop and Gimme 20!, Get Yo grudge out (Everlast punching bag), Tri this, Tote this Log then Tote it Back!, Black Flies Flys, Tri again (dumbells), Run Forest Run, then pictures of a hut, and his campsite with his cabin in the background. The video is much better and more entertaining than my description!

Eric created a unique and inspiring way to get fit, stay fit, and enjoy himself all at the same time!

When he is at his Miami home, Eric stays active hiking, riding his Tall Bikes, and going to the gym. When he visits his Maine cabin in the winter, he gets himself out on snowshoes.