The real gym

I think many of us fall into the trap of believing that the gym is somehow a sport in itself. We schedule our routines, we monitor our progress, we work to improve various elements, we develop friendships and rivalries. However, the unfortunate reality is that the gym is not for real, it's the same place, with the same machines and often the same people doing the same useless repetitive movements.

In short, the gym is an artificial environment where we attempt to create an idealized vision of ourselves. It is no secret that I hate the gym, I hate it for it's superficiality, for it's useless machines, and I hate it for the "regulars" who take three minute breaks and do arm curls in the squat rack. But more than anything, I hate the gym because it seperates itself entirely from reality.

The gym in my opinion should be a preparation ground for real life, for real tasks, real sports, and real challenges. The gym is not the be all and end all.....it should be an important piece of the puzzle that helps drive a bigger and vastly more important purpose.

The challenge then is to create a meaning beind your training to give it a deeper and much more satisfying destination. Getting a "6-pack" is not a particularly fulfilling final destination.....but it can certainly be part of the journey.

I leave you with a picture of mountain biker extrordinaire Andrew Shandro dropping in off a high rock, and using all of his athletic power, strength, coordination, and skill to do so.

Just some food for thought. See you next time,


M