A Google User
February 17, 2018 18:47
I hadn't lifted weights in about 6 years, and I started looking for gyms close by.
I live in the greater east end, and it seemed like every time I did a search it was 24 hour fitness, or one of a million cross fit gyms.
One of the lone real gyms that popped up with Be Fit Gym. I read reviews, I looked at videos, I looked at pictures, and I decided to let the fact that they didn't have AC or heat not deter me.
The aesthetic of the gym is gritty. It's a big warehouse with all the equipment you need. And they play loud music that would never be heard in a gym like LA fitness or 24 hour fitness.
So, one day, I drove up, and even half expected it to be full of pissed off looking muscle heads who would eyeball anyone new that showed up.
What I found was, a staff that was super friendly and no where near pretentious. The people working out were serious about lifting, but not jerky body builder types.
It was summer and the gym had all the doors open and huge fans blowing, and there was a constant breeze.
Rap music and techno, was playing from huge speakers, loud enough to replace your headphones, but not loud enough to intrude into any conversation.
The clientele seemed upscale but down to earth at the same time.
So, I and a friend who went with me, decided to join.
Over the 5 months that I've worked out there, I noticed a few surprising things.
The owners actually remember your name. This place is their passion. One day Edgar, the owner walked on a treadmill next to me, and we just chatted for 30 minutes about the gym, where he came from, how excited he is about it, and some of his future plans.
People smile, wave, and even have conversations with you, but at the same time, they don't intrude.
With all the music, the warehouse feel, the graffiti on the wall, and the concrete floors, this gym makes you feel like you're not faking anything. You feel stronger, and more motivated and even elevated compared to people who go to the big box gyms.
And with all of that, you develop this sense of simply wanting to be there. It becomes less about forcing yourself to get that work out in, and more about wanting to go to a place that lets you escape and lets you see people you like, and lets you work on yourself.
There is a level of seriousness at this gym that serves to motivate without being competitive. Because in the end, really all there is to compete with is yourself, and this gym creates the perfect atmosphere for that.