This gym, this warehouse that echoed with slamming plates and grunts, proclaimed itself as the mecca of east coast lifting. It was filled with an unbelievable array of equipment and had an even more diverse fitness following that included everyone from bodybuilders to aspiring CrossFit athletes. The staff had no shortage of expertise or opinions, hard-earned with experience. Everything seemed too perfect. I had been in gyms before but never anything that genuinely appeared like this temple devoted to fitness. I joined, allured by the gym's crafted brand and appearance, never questioning its reputation.
Over time, this perfection faded as I found this gym wasn't a temple but a bar. Too many members lingered and talked for hours while occupying the most popular equipment, which adversely slowed everyone's workout, creating a cascading chain of wasted time. Working out in this gym became more social than physical. Often, these conversationalists curled then took over a treadmill, lurking right by the door so that they could wait to drop their lines on the next woman to walk out. To the same effect, these socialites could have replaced their workouts with a pub crawl and twelve-ounce curls with a beer of choice at a place where hitting on someone is usually acceptable. What I wanted wasn't going to be found at this supposed mecca; this gym was for others but not for me.
I wanted to slay my body and focus on every pump coursing through my veins. I wanted to hear the beat of the plates on the floor when I deadlifted. I wanted a primal awakening that made my soul roar. I needed a place that was bare-bones with no-frills where the focus was on improving yourself through a disciplined and planned onslaught of exercises. A place where others did the same. A gym true to lifting and fitness. Self-motivation gets you far but having an atmosphere that suits your workout style is critical to chasing your fitness goals. For some, having the gym be a focal point of their social life motivates them to stay on the path in their personal fitness journey. Others need a quiet place to go and lift while staring at their competition in the mirror. Unfortunately, most gym cultures don't support all desired atmospheres, so it becomes essential where you decide to workout and devote your time.
When you join a gym, you join a community. This community typically has its own culture designed by the staff and the owners to achieve a goal. Some owners want to create a culture that maximizes profit by generating as many members as possible through offering group training sessions. Others want to make a fitness ideal that appeals to the solo lifting purest. When scoping out your next gym, look beyond the amenities and equipment to ask about their culture and community to see if it is an atmosphere you can thrive in. If you can't find a gym you like, make your own. During the pandemic, home gyms have become an affordably convenient alternative with new fitness systems bounding on the market to meet the needs of the stay-at-home fitness guru. The basics, including a rack, bench, bars, and plates, costs less than $2,000. With the average gym membership costing more than $45 a month per individual, the home gym becomes worth the cost just shy of 4 years. Regardless of price, creating or being in an atmosphere that supports your individual growth can be invaluable.
We rise best in the atmosphere of our own choosing.
Comments