What lessons does the gym have to teach us? What invaluable, delicious nuggets can be derived from hoisting heavy loads? What a naive question! Can’t you see the parallels are countless?! Let us count them anyway.
7 Gym Lessons That Carry Over Into Life
First, the gym teaches us persistence. Persistence and patience are the first pearls we discover and pick up when playing with weight. That no results come overnight; that best results come over years.
Second, the gym teaches us about Resistance (capital R). That all strength comes from moving against something that is initially stronger than us. We become adapted by challenge. We force ourselves to grow.
Third, the gym teaches us about convention and how to avoid it. Don’t do what everyone else is doing. Because, have you seen them? Blobby, disorganized, confused, little things. Let the masses fight over who gets dibs on the treadmill! Be willing to do the opposite: Head to the weight room.
(Psst. Here’s a free collection of my 101 Kettlebell Workouts to get you started.)
Fourth, did you know I am going to an event on Oct the 7th to meet a group of alpacas at the public library here in PA? The event is called “Meet Alpacas at Penn Wynne Library.” Somebody shared it on Facebook and thought I wouldn’t notice. Jokes on them. I noticed.
Mostly I’m interested in meeting the one of the far right (Fred, I think his name is?) and have a feeling we could become friends. What an elegant animal. So strong, yet so nimble.
Fifth, the gym teaches us repetition and specificity. Want to get good at something? Then practice that something. Want to get better at pull ups? Do pull ups. Want to get better at squats? Squat. Repetition, repetition!
Sixth, the gym teaches us priority. Do what’s effective first. Focus on efficiency after that. Lift heavy, sprint, go for a brisk walk. Stretch what’s tight. Strengthen what’s weak.
Seven (seventh?), the gym teaches us consistency and balance. Showing up is more important than going all out. Generalizing > specializing.
(Psst. Sorry, me again. But if you enjoyed this post, you’ll also very likely (but not certainly) enjoy my podcast, The Pat Flynn Show, as well.)
What Has the Gym Taught YOU?
This so far has been only one man’s opinion. Comment below the lessons you’ve learned in the weight room.
Strong ON!
– Pat