The Downsides of Remote Work and At-Home Gyms

Being home is in right now. Remote work is the default “want” and “need” of more and more of the workforce–or so we’re told. Short commutes sans pants are the so-called ultimate goals to shoot for. Once we get there, we’re set, right? Let all the rest of those poor saps decay in their frustrating commutes and stuffy business casual attire.

Home gyms are looked at in a similar vein. Why not avoid crammed fitness facilities full of gym bros and loaded stations? Getting in a good workout is tougher these days, especially with the viral trend of wannabe influencers filming every exercise for their latest posts.

All of these points create a potential net positive. Less time wasted, less money spent, less headache had. It’s an all-around win.

But there are other factors to consider. Other human behaviors slowly erode without awareness. Critical (I think) mental health issues are at risk of being stuffed down in an ever-increasing deluge of ease and convenience.

The remote worker

We already know the advantages of remote work. But what have we sacrificed for this convenience? Sure, these pluses look great on paper and are easily quantified, but what about those intangibles? What about those basic human needs that are baked into thousands of years of being on this planet?

We are social beings. We subconsciously crave other human interaction. From finding a partner to belonging to a group we need other humans. Face-to-face communication develops empathy, sympathy, and other critical non-verbal cues helping us understand each other and solve problems as a community. We start to develop a well-rounded human experience not achieved by isolation and single-mindedness.

Yes, to a company at-home workers may help the bottom line. When it comes to revenue, productivity, and making just a few more widgets remote work will definitely show signs of being the best choice, but what happens to said worker over time?

Aside from having fewer chances at raises and promotions, staying home creates more tendencies for depression and anxiety. We start to feel like a cog, an army ant, another worker spitting out widgets.

We need the human experience.

The home gym guru

Much of the same can be said of the home gym. Yes, all of the conveniences are much the same: saving money, avoiding crowds, and having the luxury of being home.

I can’t help but mention my own personal experience. I started at 14 years old in my backyard lifting with an at-home barbell set. Once I landed a weekend job I paid for a gym membership. I rode my bike there six days per week and would spend two to three hours per day training. Eventually, I met several experienced lifters who showed me form, and technique and eventually allowed me to train with them.

I formed many deep relationships at the gym. I also had the opportunity to open my mind and take in a huge breadth of information, insight, and experience I would never have gained staying home.

The gym has taught me to be patient, practice being courteous, and ask for help. I’m so glad I signed up. I’ve met some great people over the years and will continue to do so for years to come. You just can’t do that from home.

Don’t just stay home

Get out of the house. Go to work, interact with coworkers, ask questions, collaborate, be held to a higher standard, get pushback, and answer for any mistakes face to face. You’ll be better for it, guaranteed.

Go to the gym. Don’t worry about all those gym bros and gym bunnies. Do your thing, be courteous, give a helping hand, offer a spot, and be a model gymgoer. You’ll develop a real appreciation for the gym life, create new friendships, and find new potential in your workouts and results.

Serendipity

Lastly, I want to mention the principle of serendipity. Much like luck (which can be developed by positioning yourself in life to receive it in greater amounts) serendipity is a wonderful, unpredictable force of nature that can enrich your experiences and force you out of your comfort zone for the better.

Without leaving home, by staying isolated, and to yourself like a troll under a bridge, you’ll figuratively cut your legs off beneath you. You’ll have fewer and fewer opportunities to experience serendipity and, subsequently, become more bitter, and introverted, and may even start to look like an actual troll.

Stop wishing to live out your life from your house–it has doors for a reason. Get out and experience the world.