The Other Side of Fitness We Shouldn’t Forget

I was going to title this post “Lady Quietly Reading on a Stationary Bike in a Small Town” (90’s music enthusiasts will loosely get the reference), but that would be a little confusing. Either way, I’ve written about the crazy current state of “fitness” (quotes intentional) before and how it’s evolved into an almost unrecognizable terrain of neo-snake oil sales and head-scratching circus acts. But the other day I was pleasantly and quietly reminded of the real, authentic, and honest purpose most people have when it comes to exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and developing the best habits to improve their lives.

I was doing my thing in the gym the other day and leisurely observed a woman, possibly in her fifties, pedaling away on a recumbent bike and reading a book–an actual, physical book. The scene subtly struck me a bit and gently reminded me of what all this fitness stuff is all about.

If you casually search around for fitness you’ll undoubtedly find visions of extreme gym-goers testing their limits. You’ll find everything from someone setting a PR on a deadlift to a filtered, pharmaceutically-enhanced oiled-up Gen Z-er claiming that their fat burner/pre-workout/muscle-builder gave them unbelievable results in just one week.

It’s a shame, really.

But, I’m not here to bash the chaotic sh!t show that mainstream fitness has become. I’m here to talk about that lady on the bike.

She simply reminded me of what the majority of people need and ultimately want: to get active, get healthier, and enjoy the process no matter the method. Those types want to come to the gym, say a few hellos, and create lifelong habits to make their lives better. No max deadlifts, bench pressing girls in yoga pants, or dry scooping powders. Instead, they want to come into an inviting and welcoming place to exercise and then enjoy the rest of their day.

Why can’t we all be a little more like that? Sure, go ahead and deadlift the house, but don’t forget to smile at that little lady at the water fountain and greet her. Or help someone new to your gym that looks lost. Don’t walk around like you’re about to go to war with a scowled look on your face ready to bite someone’s head off.

If you’re a knowledgeable, regular lifter who’s dedicated to your training–you show up, work hard, and treat your training seriously, then I feel you also have an obligation to represent yourself and the gym in a higher regard.

Be pleasant. The world has enough for us to deal with. I’ve always said and believed that we need to treat each other like respectful roommates. Be friendly, treat the equipment like it’s everyone’s furniture, and be of service to one another. We’re all on the same side.

Be helpful, be useful, and don’t be opposed to going up to that lady on the bike with a big smile and asking her what she’s reading.

Happy lifting!