For a long time, I stayed away from gyms.
I couldn't understand the appeal. There are so many things you can do outdoors or at home. Why go to a specific place where you can only do this?
A few years ago I tried it and developed a semi-regular practice, training alone. Some things clicked.
I could see results much faster and do different exercises. However, after a few months, I ended up quitting, then coming back, then quitting, then coming back…
However, recently I’ve been through this…transformation. Going to the gym is no longer a habit but a part of my identity. However, that was only possible due to, what I know now, is the greatest part of a gym: the people.
I’m not a regular “gym bro”.
I don’t spend 4h at the gym, I don’t count macronutrients, I don’t try crazy exercises.
But a bunch of friends and I decided to get together, hold ourselves accountable and get in the best shape possible.
The physical benefits are amazing, of course, but I quickly realize that the greatest thing about it was the constant support and companionship among each other and the community in our respective gyms.
Support from your friends is, if you have the right friends, expected.
But in a world filled with criticism and bad-mouthing, finding a place where people support you unconditionally is entering an oasis.
It doesn’t matter how much you lift, or how long have you been working out. People support each other in all phases of their journey.
When I interview people on my podcast and ask them about the elements of a Modern Golden Age, almost everyone talks about the importance of supporting people, while being kind and friendly.
Today I realized that people are describing the kind of environment you find at the gym!
Of course, we’re talking about a specific context. Personal health is important but it is not the only thing that can help us get to a Modern Golden Age. However, if one can find the principles that allow for this attitude to naturally emerge, maybe we can extrapolate them to other scenes and contexts, in different areas, with different goals!
I’ll finish today’s thought with the story that inspired me to write this today.
As I finished my workout, I was waiting for a dude to leave the bench. When he finished his exercise, he started to remove the weights (a good practice to have, contributing to the overall well-being and ambient of the gym).
However, as he was removing the last one, he looked at me and ask:
Do you want me to leave these on?
He was lifting twice what I usually lift, so I laughed and answered:
No, maybe one day!
He stopped removing the weight, looked me in the eyes, and, with a very serious tone, told me:
Bro, that day will come. It will definitely come.
He stopped taking the height, looked at me dead serious, and told me:
Bro, that day will come, it will definitely come.
I smiled and did the exercise.
My goal for today is to be a “Gym-Bro” outside the gym.
I challenge you to do the same.
Support seems basic but its the basis of live. So nice to read you, completly related with it!
Yes! Fitness and health is just a small part of living a good life, but it can often kick off lasting changes in other areas of life - at least that's what happened to me. Once I realized I am capable of doing increasingly harder things, I also started doing harder things at work, in my spiritual practice, relationships, etc. It really can be a gateway drug to transforming your whole life!