If there’s life in what you do, then most likely you’ll find within it a metafor for life. We could find a connection with many of the things we do. Our work, our pastimes and our games can all be equated to life if we use some imagination. For me, it is the gym. It’s about setting and attaining goals. It’s about overcoming limitations. It’s about pushing limits. It’s me versus the weights, or the clock. It’s about changing beliefs. It’s about getting stronger and doing things you never thought you could do. The gym is my fortress of solitude, my island getaway, my spot on the roof. At the gym my head is clear. I’ve been able to work out many problems while engaged in lifting weights or running on an eliptical trainer. I choose to go to the gym before or after the crowds. I don’t use the gym to socialize. I like to get the job done and not waste time. Some do better working with a partner or taking a class. It’s an individual thing. No hard rules here. The gym dosen’t require a lot of upper level mental capacity (all the better for my case) to perform required tasks. And the nice thing about it all is that when you are done with your workout, whatever it has been, you leave a better person, physically and mentally. I see more of an older generation starting programs at the gym than in the past. How great is that! It’s great therapy. It’s a good habit and the more your body does it, the more it wants it.
One of the best web sites I know is by Dave Draper. He understands what the gym represents. He is an incredible source of great information on health and fittness, but I believe what endears so many of his newsletter subscribers (aka bombers) is his ability to communicate his great knowledge and passion for fittness and for weight lifting/bodybuilding. The gym has always been his life and what he writes comes from his heart. You’ll want to get on his e-mailing list.
One thing we can do to get more from life is to bring exercise into our day. This could be at the gym or by having a gym at home or any one of many ways to be active. What’s important is that you are doing something to improve yourself every day. I admire every person I see making an effort to improve their health whether it’s the 5am runner or the 6pm walker. One thing I’m sure of is that they are working out their challenges and getting in better health.
