The Gym Community

I was getting my usual 8am morning workout before work a couple days ago when something caught my eye which maintained my hope in the gym community. For those who don't know the gym community is a group made up of us consistent gym goers. I think the cut off is like at least 3 days a week, but there isn’t really a set limit as long as you’re consistent. The one thing about the gym community is after a while of being consistent and going multiple times a week, we see the same people and get familiar with them. That is what leads to nodding when you see the person and even having a conversation to build a friendship. Another thing that usually happens is the uplifting of each other and continuing to push each other especially when you notice the other person is making progress.

I am always quick to compliment progress in another person at the gym especially when you see them constantly and notice their hard work. This specific morning it was kind of the opposite. I was finishing my workout and there was another guy I haven't seen before at my gym, but he was getting a workout in by me. He seemed to be working on back and was focused but he saw another kid on the opposite side and what he did next displayed why I love this community. The kid seemed to be new to the gym and the guy working out started talking to him to give him tips on his form on a specific back workout and demonstrated the difference. He also proceeded to introduce himself and asked him how long he had been working out while encouraging him to keep going and told him to ask him if he has any questions going forward.

The thing I love about the gym community is the support we have for each other and wanting to see each other succeed. This is not everybody of course, but I remember starting out and would have people next to me give me tips on my form when I was doing a specific workout wrong. A lot of the time it was in how they would approach me about it. I was approached and talked to in a welcoming and not a way to belittle or criticize me but in an encouraging way. That is exactly what I saw when the guy was talking to the kid, and I hope we can encourage each other to strive for success not just in the gym but in life. A simple word of encouragement goes a long way for all of us.