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Brooklyn, NY - Frum & Fit Triathlon Group for Orthodox Jews |
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Chaim Backman, a most unorthodox triathlete, is training Orthodox Jews to pound the pavement.
Backman, a Lubavitcher who works as a physical therapist, is a longtime runner who has completed the New York City marathon, but never used to bike or swim, the other elements making up the grueling triathlon.
He began triathlon training three years ago, and took a course to be a certified triathlon training coach and started up TriChai. Now he trains 40 Orthodox triathletes.
“These guys have mostly sat all these years and never did anything,” he says of some in his community feel good that I can help [make] a healthy change in people’s lives.”
Backman, a 43-year-old father of four, often sees the same runners in Prospect Park, and has a friendly relationship with many. “I get a lot of ‘Shalom!’ comments,” he says. Some of the women who train with him run in traditional clothing, while others don the shorts and T-shirts more typical of competitive runners.
Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore.
Choina, who will turn 50 later this year, was biking up the West Side Highway when she encountered people completing the New York City Triathlon. After speaking to them, she decided to set her sights on completing a triathlon, something she’s done four times over the course of this year.
“Most people don’t do in a year what I accomplish in one day as a triathlete,” says Choina, whose youngest daughter now rides a road bike with her.
Next up Backman hopes to expand his training into schools, to help combat the obesity epidemic plaguing many young children today. But first, he’ll cheer on Choina and others from the club who will complete the NYC Triathlon on Sunday.
“People feel Jews aren’t that sportsy,” he says, but “[running-swimming-biking] challenges them to get out there and do things they’ve never done before.”
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Read Comments (89) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:09 PM Anonymous Says:
not tzious. hashem does not approve.
2
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:16 PM Anonymous Says:
this is fantastic. can we star this in bp???i would love to be in such a group...after all these years of cholent/kokash and rugelach i cant move anymore...
3
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:16 PM Anonymous Says:
Ich hobe nisht koach
4
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:15 PM Anonymous Says:
Good for them. This is a great example.
5
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:36 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Good for them. This is a great example. ”
Goyishe!
6
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
and hashem personally told you that he does not approve of this? besides, there is no reason why this can't be done in tznius clothing (although the swimming would be an issue). what i do know hashem definitely doesn't approve of is sitting on your fat tuchus eating fatty foods all day; i know that because the torah explicitly state venishmartem meod lenafshechem...
7
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:48 PM Brieshis Buro Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
He DOES approve of gastric bypass, banding of the stomach, juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and keren yesomim’s.
However bicycling past nisht, exercise is ossur, running is crazy.
Chasidic youth have more diseases then average youth due to lack of mobility and exercise
8
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:04 PM Anonymous Says:
As someone who takes a lot of advice from Chaim..and does not live in NY ...i highly recommend you give trichai a shot ...if you are looking to spend many more healthy years with your family
9
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:55 PM whatever Says:
To #1 - When you can PROVE you've spoken to Hashem, and heard Him say this isn't tznius or ANYTHING for that matter, PLEASE do let us know.
P.S. AND have respect for our Lord, and capitalize His Name when typing.
10
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:54 PM Anonymous Says:
my father uses his services in Williamsburg. He is a great physical therapist servicing the Williamsburg community.
11
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:44 PM Yitzchock Says:
way to go Chaim Backman.. Ehr iz ah feiner yungerman
12
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:43 PM Anonymous Says:
as a former runner please be careful. I had to have surgery for a torn meniscus. die hard runners will tell you 99 percent of people got get any injuries. just speak to the dr's for a different story...
13
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:36 PM chaimpt Says:
chaim is a very nice guy have known him for long long time. fit and healthy in body and mind, physical and spiritual
14
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:31 PM Anonymous Says:
he is a physical therapist at Parcare in Williamsburg. check him out!!
15
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:23 PM evergreen Says:
Run Forest Run.
Chaim keep up the great work.
16
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:37 PM Anonymous Says:
Why is it that every story here attracts a banda baheimas. You're just busy with tzinies and paast nisht faar a bahaimishe yid. Fressen vi a chazer paast yuh, a ausgepashata key paast, here comes a guy a does something and the critics get up from furtzen and put the guy down.
Are you guys toit meshiga?????
17
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:25 PM Anonymous Says:
“ He DOES approve of gastric bypass, banding of the stomach, juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and keren yesomim’s.
However bicycling past nisht, exercise is ossur, running is crazy.
Chasidic youth have more diseases then average youth due to lack of mobility and exercise
”
All your points are well taken but unfortunately, Poster No. 7 has already left for the donut shop to buy the breakfast snack for the minyan so he cannot respond.
18
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:25 PM Anonymous Says:
Dr. Susan Schulman will be pleased
19
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:21 PM Anonymous Says:
This is getting silly. Every time VIN posts an article highlighting the efforts of some ehrleche yiddin to improve their personal health and well being and providing role model for others, the same ignorant and backward schlemmeils immediately jump in and yell gevalt, it is not tziniusdike, the time spent exercising is bitul torah etc. They even quote rabbonim who have made similiar stupid comments. We don't need to get another telephone call late at night about a levayah the next morning because some young father/mother had a heart attack in their 30s or 40s or a close friends father/mother died from aterial disease or diabetes.
20
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:18 PM NotFat Says:
“ He DOES approve of gastric bypass, banding of the stomach, juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and keren yesomim’s.
However bicycling past nisht, exercise is ossur, running is crazy.
Chasidic youth have more diseases then average youth due to lack of mobility and exercise
”
And where do you get your statistics from? At a time when America has an obesity epidemic you find the nerve to blame the frum jews.
21
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:08 PM Anonymous Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
The need to protect one's health ALWAYS trump any concerns about tznious. If it will keep you alive one day longer, you can run naked down eastern parkway.
22
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:07 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Goyishe! ”
The only thing goiyeshe aound here is your "keppel" or "cup". You exhibit the mindset of an overweight couch potato who has to be asked not to stuff his pocket with kugel at the rebbe's tisch.
23
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:05 PM esther Says:
yes and if more chasidishe and litvishe boys got more exercise,they wouldn't be going "outside" to look for ways to relieve boredom and pent up energy.
24
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:05 PM Anonymous Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
Hashem cares more for the health and well being of yiddeshe women than the stupid comments of yiddin such as yourself. Kol hakovod to Ms. Choina and may hashem yaracehm on the mishpacha of Poster no.1 (snce he/she may not be around for long given their atitude towards exercise).
25
Jul 21, 2009 at 08:04 PM leo Says:
Reply to #6 I hope you understand that there is a dissrence between swimming in a pool with machitzas and being like that on the west side highway
,God should keep the rechte hand
26
Jul 21, 2009 at 07:54 PM Anonymous Says:
Men and women training together? Is this matir? Do they learn together too?
27
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:48 PM Aaron Says:
Go Chaim go!. Apparently many overweight people are jealous!!!
28
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:54 PM Anonymous Says:
in his Parcare physical therapy center ther are two separate gyms, one for men and one for women. if you are concerned about tnius but want a good workout for your health run with Chaim at Parcare in Williamsburg.
29
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:53 PM Yossi B. Says:
Chaim I'll drink La fin du monde for you, and you run for me.
30
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:53 PM mig Says:
"Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise.
31
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Men and women training together? Is this matir? Do they learn together too? ”
You are a total a'm haoretz. Men and women can learn together if they respect the normal rules governing negiah etc. They can run or walk together too on a public street. we are not talking about an illicit physical relationship. Read the article. The women are conservatively dressed and shepping around in baggy sweat pants and sweatshirts NOT some type of revealing gym shorts and tank top.
32
Jul 21, 2009 at 09:50 PM Expatriate Owl Says:
“ To #1 - When you can PROVE you've spoken to Hashem, and heard Him say this isn't tznius or ANYTHING for that matter, PLEASE do let us know.
P.S. AND have respect for our Lord, and capitalize His Name when typing. ”
"P.S. AND have respect for our Lord, and capitalize His Name when typing."
How does one use capital letters b'Ivrit?
33
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:15 PM Anonymous Says:
sorry, chasidic youth don't veg out in front of the tv. Probably healthier. Men, that's a different story...
34
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:13 PM princess Says:
Everythings an issue. Get off your duff and excersize. And get out of the deli. You can jump rope in the privacy of your home, swim with a mechitza, and run in your shtriemel.
35
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:11 PM Anonymous Says:
“ "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise. ”
Mig; no one will get excited or experience illicit thougts by seeing you shvitzing while running or power walking in a gum suit. I find the clothes women wear in a workout the least noticeable sort of outfits they wear compared to some very bright and colorful dresses and hats on shabbos and yom tov. If there is somthing special about your "collarbone" that no one else has ever seen, consider a new career.
36
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:03 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Why is it that every story here attracts a banda baheimas. You're just busy with tzinies and paast nisht faar a bahaimishe yid. Fressen vi a chazer paast yuh, a ausgepashata key paast, here comes a guy a does something and the critics get up from furtzen and put the guy down.
Are you guys toit meshiga????? ”
thanks for cracking me up!
37
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:02 PM Anonymous Says:
chaim backman is known to the Williamsburg, Crown Heights and surrounding communities for many years. He is an expert in Physical Therapy, pain relief and knows hoe to put your beiner together after an injury or fall. GO Visit him.
39
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:28 PM Anonymous Says:
do you know how nice he treats the old men and women at his Parcare physical therapy place. The holocaust survivor population knows they have a place to call their own. He even brings social workers to talk to them and his staff listens to their stories.
40
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
yesterday there was an article about Israeli governemtn telling some charedi citizens to get off their****** and get a job. (also known as "work")
Now we have an article telling us to get excersize? Oh my. These articles are going to kill all of us.
41
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:08 PM Anonymous Says:
“ "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise. ”
Kol hakovod to you, most importantly for getting out and running as well as your decision to dress more conservatively. Other jewish women may feel that they don't need to dress so conservatively so don't be so judgemental. Good luck and good health.
42
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:48 PM to#17 and 20 Says:
I think no. 7 is being sarcastic. I don't think you understand him/her
43
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:48 PM I WROTE THE 1ST COMMENT Says:
I wrote the 1st comment from my mobile phone and couldn't really fully express my opinion. To clarify, I was referring to this part "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore". On top of that, I run the treadmill everyday and think its very important to work out. I do not believe Hashem approves of this woman not dressing properly, and I do not need Hashem to speak to me personally to tell me the halachos of tznious. I am sorry for not capitalizing the Lord's name as I said I was on my cell phone.
44
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:42 PM Anonymous Says:
This article and the postings only confirm somthing that we all know but many won't acknowledge. An obsee frumme yid who rarely learns a yiddeshe vert will suddenly become a real talmid chacham regarding the dinim governing tzinius etc. if it provides him/her a religious excuse to stay away from the gym or engage in exercise.
\
45
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:20 PM Anonymous Says:
i had knee replacement and chaim's staff at Parcare is great. i feel so much better.
46
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM to#17 and 20 Says:
“ "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise. ”
I also did not understand Choina. She can't change her tznius standards for excercise in public
47
Jul 22, 2009 at 05:55 AM Shlomo Says:
“ And where do you get your statistics from? At a time when America has an obesity epidemic you find the nerve to blame the frum jews. ”
I don't think NotFat blamed the frum Jews for the obesity epidemic in America: just an assertion that Chassid youths have more medical problems.
I don't know that Chassidic youths have more medical problems than average: I have never seen a study or report that suggest that (the only medical problem in the Chassidic community that I do know of if is an above average rate of hepatitis A (related to poor hand hygiene)).
However, based on personal observations and IMHO, the frum community in general is not immune to the problem of obesity and lack of physical fitness (the two are not the same: you can unfit thin people and fit fat people). Maybe a triathlon is a bit much but a half-hour a day three times a week is not excessive, shown to have significant health benefits, and is probably not bitul Torah.
48
Jul 22, 2009 at 02:20 AM Anonymous Says:
venishmarten me'od lenafshosechem. we use the excuse "jews are not athletic" as an excuse for everything, that is true bubbe meise! taking care of ourselves is a mitzva, yasher koach to Rabbi / Mr Backman
49
Jul 22, 2009 at 01:34 AM Anonymous Says:
“ "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise. ”
do you live in brooklyn? i was always thinking of a track where i can run.... a place that isn't so public...
i may be wrong...but personally i don't feel comfortable running on a public street....not saying it's wrong...
but excersize is def. very impt.
way to go... wish i had the courage (to do s/t out of the box...like a triathlon) and strength (physical strength and will power).
50
Jul 22, 2009 at 12:08 AM Kidney Donor & Kidney Matchmaker from Boro Park Says:
There are major health issues in the Jewish communities as everywhere else in the world. We are not immuned from all the terrible issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, etc, r"l. There was once an article in Hamodia magazine section - a pediatrician in Williamsburg is seeing as much diabetes in children there, as in other communities.
I went into a yeshiva once and was horrified by the high fat foods in the snack machines. Please parents, encourage your schools to stock their snack machines with healthy foods, such as low-fat popcorn, soy chips instead of potato chips, pretzels (which are usually very low in fat or fat free, raisins, raw or dry roasted nuts, etc.
Exercise and eating right is part of yiddishkeit. Yes, very important for Yeshiva bochorim to sit and learn Torah. But men and woman need to exercise. People can get a stationary bike for the house - they can be pretty reasonable - while exercising, can listen to a Torah tape and therefore do 2 mitzvahs at one time - learn Torah and take care of your health!
I was noticing the other day, 2 people I have seen in my community before - these 2 men, their stomachs are getting bigger and bigger. The most dangerous fat is in their stomach. If men's stomachs start to look like they are pregnant - time to lose the weight!
Obesity often leads to diabetes, high blood pressure and about 35 percent of the time, cancer, r'l. And often, high blood pressure, and more often diabetes leads to kidney failure. Once the kidneys shut down, one needs dialysis. And the most common form of dialsis is going to a dialysis center being hooked up to a machine 3-4 hours a day 3 times a week. If that doesn't get one who is obese to start losing weight reading this, I don't know what will.
Chaya Lipschutz
Kidney Donor & Kidney Matchmaker
Website: SaveALife-DonateAKidney.com
51
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:49 PM Anonymous Says:
Perhaps Chaim should visit some of these thursday night Chulent fresser outlets or some of these geshvulenne kiddeishem and teach them what Ushmartem meoid lenafshoisechem means. Some of these guys can barely move or breath waiting for chas vesholom something. Here comes a nice normal fellow doing the right thing, and all the nuts come out of stuffing their faces criticizing " its nit tzinies, paast nisht, misht zecht nisht" its enough already. Stoo the crap and start thinking like a normal person if you can. And if you can't, perhaps you can engage the services of a therapist that will get your brain straightened out.
52
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:48 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The need to protect one's health ALWAYS trump any concerns about tznious. If it will keep you alive one day longer, you can run naked down eastern parkway. ”
Eastern Parkway yes but not on 13th AV
53
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:33 PM Anonymous Says:
go visit chaim in parcare. it is important to let him know how we appreciate that he makes the community aware that exercise is important to our health. he is local . walk to him . that will be exercise too. he is on park ave.
54
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:31 PM Anonymous Says:
i came out of haym solomon after surgery and still did not feel well and then i found chaim in parcare in williamsburg. he put me back in shape. thank you chaim. thank you parcare
55
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ do you know how nice he treats the old men and women at his Parcare physical therapy place. The holocaust survivor population knows they have a place to call their own. He even brings social workers to talk to them and his staff listens to their stories. ”
finally , someone thinks about our elderly holocaust survivors! kol hakovod for Chaim. even when they do physical therapy at parcare he thinks of there well being and talks to them for support! Keep it up, Chaim!
56
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:22 PM Anonymous Says:
Parcare medical and physical therapy on park ave is chaim backman. he is great. go visit him tell him you saw him on VIN. he will be happy to hear. he is a great guy
57
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:22 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Why is it that every story here attracts a banda baheimas. You're just busy with tzinies and paast nisht faar a bahaimishe yid. Fressen vi a chazer paast yuh, a ausgepashata key paast, here comes a guy a does something and the critics get up from furtzen and put the guy down.
Are you guys toit meshiga????? ”
Well said I can NOT agree more
58
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:17 PM clever Says:
gr8 thing! this has 2b spread in bp & willi.. most of us chareidim drei zich arim w/rustige bodys... just eating chulent 3x a wk.. sitting hunched all day drinkin coffee & smoking... (+ don't 4get the lchaims)...& when we reach age 45 we can't walk 2 blocks 2 shul...
this is vry vry neccesary doin evry day excersize & keepin ourselves loose... (l'havdil look by d goiem who excersize they still in the big league running bases by the 40's..)
59
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:17 PM Anonymous Says:
“ do you know how nice he treats the old men and women at his Parcare physical therapy place. The holocaust survivor population knows they have a place to call their own. He even brings social workers to talk to them and his staff listens to their stories. ”
no center in manhatten gives what chaim gives at parcare. amazing! the atmosphere. how warm and welcoming. every one smiles. chaim runs a beautiful operation.
60
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:14 PM AH drei nisht A cup Says:
R Elyashev R voznor r shteinman R lefkovitz don't do all this
& they are in the high 90
61
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:12 PM Anonymous Says:
“ as a former runner please be careful. I had to have surgery for a torn meniscus. die hard runners will tell you 99 percent of people got get any injuries. just speak to the dr's for a different story... ”
when you run with chaim at parcare you are protected. he has a doctor on staff to watch your ability and take your blood pressure.
62
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:59 PM olympic cyclist Says:
my father was an olympic cyclist and and a personal trainer. for years he tried to implement sports like running, cycling , and swimming into the curiculum, but the rabbanim didn't want. at the end they came to him themselves for training- private lessons. go for it chaim backman!!!!!!!! venishmartem me'od lenafshoseichem!
and btw, there's a big group of frum guys who cycle in prospect park & in the velodrome in queens!!!!!
63
Jul 21, 2009 at 10:53 PM Anonymous Says:
Again, the usual suspects are out in force tonight to invoke the memory of gadolei yisroel as to why exericse in a public venue is a gioyeshe concept that corrupts vulnerable yiddin. If they lived in our time, its very likely that Rav Moshe Feinstein, Z'tl, Rav Twersky , Z'tl, or Rav MM Schnerson, Ztl would have been proud of these yidden and in thier younger days would have out there running themselves.
64
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:14 AM yochi Says:
I brisk walk on the williamsburg bridge over to manhattan every day its the best thing in the world you feel invigorated all day
65
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:08 AM Anonymous Says:
“ sorry, chasidic youth don't veg out in front of the tv. Probably healthier. Men, that's a different story... ”
no, but most of them get no excercise whatsoever. They are not allowed to play ball or go to the Y, and are told that going running is not tznius. There was a study done about 10 years ago looking at their bone mass and found that a large number of bochurim (chassidic and otherwise) have bone densities the same as old women and either had or were borderline for osteoporosis. Obesity is also a huge problem among bochurim. The yeshiva food is shocking so they either eat the garbage served there (mainly fried carbs) or go out for pizza regularly.
66
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:06 AM Anonymous Says:
“ "Michelle Choina, a mother of three and one of TriChai’s members, started out running and bicycling in long skirts and long-sleeved shirts but says at a certain point she decided it wasn’t necessary anymore."
Why does she feel that it is not necessary anymore. Tznius is not necessary??? I run and power walk at least four times a week at a high school track. I wear a long skirt and a loose t-shirt that covers my elbows and collarbone. In addition, I cover my hair since I am a married woman. It is sad that Orthodox women feel they have to compromise on their tznius in order to exercise. ”
kol hakavod for you obviously you have your values in life set out straight b"h good to see excercise and hilchos tznius can go hand in hand
67
Jul 22, 2009 at 06:59 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I also did not understand Choina. She can't change her tznius standards for excercise in public ”
She can, she did and hopefully you will too if it means getting out and exercising. Unless you know better, hashem would like you to live to a hundred and twenty and exercise is the only way you'll get there.
68
Jul 21, 2009 at 11:01 PM shlomtze Says:
Go chaim go! May the almighty bless you for helping the fat get fit.
69
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:27 AM mig Says:
“ Mig; no one will get excited or experience illicit thougts by seeing you shvitzing while running or power walking in a gum suit. I find the clothes women wear in a workout the least noticeable sort of outfits they wear compared to some very bright and colorful dresses and hats on shabbos and yom tov. If there is somthing special about your "collarbone" that no one else has ever seen, consider a new career. ”
I suggest you learn the laws of tznius. Halacha is halacha, end of story. Knees, elbows and collarbones have to be covered. And yes, these areas are special. Special for only your husband. The essence of a Jewish woman is her tznius. We learn this from Sara, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah, and many others.
To #41, my response is not coming from din, but from ahavas yisroel. When I see woman who dress conservatively everyday, but then choose to look pritzus while exercising, it sends the wrong message. Message to all Jewish Women: Take pride in your tznius. You are a daughter of the King, and we are His shlichim. We have a big responsibility to be an example to the non-frum and non-Jewish world.
70
Jul 22, 2009 at 07:48 AM Anonymous Says:
B"H there are a lot of frum people that started biking in prospect pk. If you go there on a daily basis you'll see at least 5-6 different groups made up of all different sects from ultra frum to modern cycling the park and that's all new happening in the last 2 years
71
Jul 22, 2009 at 08:15 AM Anonymous Says:
“ not tzious. hashem does not approve. ”
"V'nishmartem Meod es nafshoseichem" - Hashem approves.....
72
Jul 22, 2009 at 08:53 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I suggest you learn the laws of tznius. Halacha is halacha, end of story. Knees, elbows and collarbones have to be covered. And yes, these areas are special. Special for only your husband. The essence of a Jewish woman is her tznius. We learn this from Sara, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah, and many others.
To #41, my response is not coming from din, but from ahavas yisroel. When I see woman who dress conservatively everyday, but then choose to look pritzus while exercising, it sends the wrong message. Message to all Jewish Women: Take pride in your tznius. You are a daughter of the King, and we are His shlichim. We have a big responsibility to be an example to the non-frum and non-Jewish world. ”
I asked my husband if he found my collarbone "special" and he grunted and put his head back into his sefer and told me not to bother him. You are entitled to your chumrahs on Tzinus and we can trade psaks about what is and what is not tziniusdike but you obiously have chosen to be the shaliach of a different Ebeshter than most of us. I take pride in my balanced life which includes modesty but lots of exercise with reasonable clothes. As long as you exercise, I couldn't care less whether you wear a shtreimel and bekeshe while you run or bike.
73
Jul 22, 2009 at 08:55 AM to 26 Says:
Chaim is a mentch
And I do not think that he trains coed groups.
74
Jul 22, 2009 at 09:45 AM give respect Says:
“ R Elyashev R voznor r shteinman R lefkovitz don't do all this
& they are in the high 90 ”
i dont think they eat like u (us) either.....they most likely eat only to stop their hunger, they dont eat to to the point of being stuffed...and please learn to capitalize R Shteinman, and R Lefkowitz
75
Jul 22, 2009 at 09:45 AM Anonymous Says:
There is a group of only men runnerscalled rthe Heimishe Runners that run in Prospect Park as well as in the mountains etc.--- the runners are from proffesional to novice and is agreat group to join-- for more info contact Rosemark Contractors
76
Jul 22, 2009 at 09:58 AM Anonymous Says:
“ You are a total a'm haoretz. Men and women can learn together if they respect the normal rules governing negiah etc. They can run or walk together too on a public street. we are not talking about an illicit physical relationship. Read the article. The women are conservatively dressed and shepping around in baggy sweat pants and sweatshirts NOT some type of revealing gym shorts and tank top. ”
since when is baggy pants completely allowed?!!!!
77
Jul 22, 2009 at 09:55 AM Anonymous Says:
As a patient of Chaim Backman in Williamsburg at ParCare he told me that he is starting a course for men over the williamsburg bridge starting next week
78
Jul 22, 2009 at 10:55 AM Anonymous Says:
Just go to prospect park and see how many haimishe are there every morning and afternoon that's excluding going to the gyms it looks like the community finally woke up. Continue doing exercise
79
Jul 22, 2009 at 12:29 PM I love Chaim Says:
Chaim is a wonderful person & a great athleet.
80
Jul 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM merkin Says:
“ He DOES approve of gastric bypass, banding of the stomach, juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and keren yesomim’s.
However bicycling past nisht, exercise is ossur, running is crazy.
Chasidic youth have more diseases then average youth due to lack of mobility and exercise
”
There is also a condition known to New York doctors as "yeshiva bochur spine" in which the spine bends forward toward the upper part of the body, in a curve, which can cause severe problems later in life. This results from the lack of exercise and many hours of sitting during the younger years.
81
Jul 22, 2009 at 12:39 PM walker Says:
“ She can, she did and hopefully you will too if it means getting out and exercising. Unless you know better, hashem would like you to live to a hundred and twenty and exercise is the only way you'll get there. ”
Are you saying she is permitted to excercise OUTSIDE IN PUBLIC not tsniusdik? BTW I do walk a tremendous amount for excercise and anyone that walks or runs who I know personally does it tzniusdik.
82
Jul 22, 2009 at 12:53 PM whatever Says:
I'm always happy to see positive, uplifting news such as this! This man is a great role model to Jews everywhere. So get up, get out, and get moving people. YOU can prevent many health problems, by eating healthy, and exercising regularly. Not to mention the positive example we are showing our children.
83
Jul 22, 2009 at 01:53 PM mig Says:
“ I asked my husband if he found my collarbone "special" and he grunted and put his head back into his sefer and told me not to bother him. You are entitled to your chumrahs on Tzinus and we can trade psaks about what is and what is not tziniusdike but you obiously have chosen to be the shaliach of a different Ebeshter than most of us. I take pride in my balanced life which includes modesty but lots of exercise with reasonable clothes. As long as you exercise, I couldn't care less whether you wear a shtreimel and bekeshe while you run or bike. ”
Your husband grunted because he probably thought that it was an obviously stupid question. Tznius is not a chumrah, it is halacha, and I hope we believe in the same Ebeshter. (There is only One, you know) That's great that you have a "...balanced life which includes modesty but lots of excercise with reasonable clothes.". However, we have to learn what is considered not just reasonable but TZNIUS. Hatzlacha!
84
Jul 22, 2009 at 03:22 PM esther Says:
“ I asked my husband if he found my collarbone "special" and he grunted and put his head back into his sefer and told me not to bother him. You are entitled to your chumrahs on Tzinus and we can trade psaks about what is and what is not tziniusdike but you obiously have chosen to be the shaliach of a different Ebeshter than most of us. I take pride in my balanced life which includes modesty but lots of exercise with reasonable clothes. As long as you exercise, I couldn't care less whether you wear a shtreimel and bekeshe while you run or bike. ”
the halachos of tsnneus,including covering the collar bones are not chumras.whether each halacha makes sense to us or not, is this what the deciding factor in frumkait is?if we CVS don't follow the torah while exercising,how beneficial can it takeh be in "the grand scheme of things".
85
Jul 22, 2009 at 02:30 PM Prospect Park runner Says:
Chaim has helped many of my friends and myself learn hot to run, to train and to lead healthier lives. We often run in groups and there are so many side benefits that we derive from it. It's a big kiddush hashem when the other people see us running with our yarmelkes and tzitzis. And besides, Chaim is an icon.
86
Jul 22, 2009 at 05:20 PM Anonymous Says:
“ yes and if more chasidishe and litvishe boys got more exercise,they wouldn't be going "outside" to look for ways to relieve boredom and pent up energy. ”
well said Esther, the people that talk like that, usually have something to hide.....
87
Jul 22, 2009 at 06:17 PM MUST BE REAL FRUM Says:
he isn't wearing tzitzis!
88
Jul 22, 2009 at 09:46 PM Anonymous Says:
“ he isn't wearing tzitzis! ”
i have something to say about your frumkeit and being a mentch, if this is the only thing u see!!!!!!!
89
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:03 PM Anonymous Says:
I am a frum 50 y/o male and have done at least a dozen triathlons including 2 half ironman triathlons. I have also ran 6 marathons. What can I say...I'm addicted! Kol Hakavod to all of you. Keep it going. To take care of the body hashem has given us is the ultimate way of thanking him.
90
Jul 26, 2009 at 05:51 PM jonathan Says:
The person to your left is always a goy and to the right is a 'too frum' Stop judging others on their dress and praise them for trying to get in shape