Wednesday Positivity

Power of Positivity. Yesterday’s blog was quite negative, so lets switch it up today. Here are some things that I love to see in the gym.

One of my earliest posts was about a kid that very much reminded me of myself and a young teen. I remember how hard it was to lose weight as a kid, but this little homie was working his butt off to do better. He was working so hard with his trainer; it was such good motivation for me. I hope he is still crushing it.

I’m not sure why, but someone asking for a spot warms my heart a little. It is hard to be vulnerable anywhere, but especially in a place like the gym. So many people hurt themselves but not asking for help, it is just really cool to see when someone does ask for help. Its even cooler when help is offered…if someone offers you a spot that doesn’t mean they think you can’t do it. It is ok to both ask for and offer help.

Sharing advice kind of goes along with the previous point. There are a million and one different methods to the madness that is the gym. When the gym is a community and you share those things with others, it benefits everyone. People being willing to offer their time and energy to share is so cool to see as well. I had a guy recently show me a new way of doing cable extension movements. It has been such a fantastic change for me. He spent a decent amount of time telling me why they were beneficial and walking me through doing the exercise.

A diverse gym is a great gym. A gym that is welcoming to people of all fitness levels, abilities, esthetics, etc. is a great gym. There is not much I love more than to see people in the gym trying to better themselves. I have seen people with severe disabilities doing the absolute best that they can, and if that doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will. I’ve witnessed a guy that could barely walk after a stroke working out harder than I ever have. I have seen people without sight be led to equipment and watched them go beast mode. A gym of inclusivity benefits every single person in there. That may be my favorite of all the things I love to see in the gym. I have also started working with Special Olympics in East Tennessee, and that has grown my heart even more for being all inclusive in both the gym and any activity. Below is a picture of me and some of the best athletes I know competing in a local pickleball tournament.