WHY DO WE GO TO THE GYM?(not what you think!)
The question above seems to be a no-brainer, after all we go to the gym to train, to exercise, to work out. Or do we? It’s a bit like saying we go to restaurants to eat- kind of makes sense but not really.
In this day and age when we can get a resistance band on Prime and internet connection on our mobiles, we can follow a detailed training plan from just about anywhere and at anytime. And yet, when you pass your local gym in a weekday afternoon, it will most likely be full. How does it work then? Why do we actually go to the gym?
Me time
Long gone the times when working out was considered a chore. Today, for any self-conscious individual it’s a necessary investment in their wellbeing. And gym is a space where we can get a quality workout without any distractions, it’s just us versus us, nothing else to think about, no laundry to do, no zoom calls to rush for. We can truly clear our mind and be in the zone.
Accountability
Let’s face it- even if we are internally motivated to get the best workout of our life done, watching others work just as hard gives us that extra push. The gym environment is all about like-minded individuals, peer support and also, some healthy competition.
Community
Some of us prefer to go to classes, others wouldn’t change their earphones for the world and yet, the community built around the gym is what’s often a deal-breaker. We simply go back to the places that make us feel good and it’s the people who create the vibe- even if it’s just a stranger smiling at you at the water fountain or someone picking up the key you dropped- kindness always makes a difference.
Experience
Diana Vreeland, a former editor of American vogue was quite famous for splurging large amounts of money on what in her times was considered crazy ideas. Her explanation was simple: ‘We need to give people something they can’t get at home’. And that’s what it all comes down to. We do not go to the gym for the newest equipment, the friendly receptionist or lavender-scented towels alone, but a combination of dozens of those factors is why we want to experience them all over again.
Alright, that’s just my two cents (pennies?) on the subject. What about you? Why do you go to the gym? Don’t forget to tell us on Instagram!