We’ve all heard the saying that there’s a time for work and there’s a time for play. However when it comes to working out and exercising, is it possible to have a combination of the two?
Let me be clear by stating that I consider it absolutely necessary to push yourself 110% each time you set foot in the gym. I also believe that it’s incredibly important to have the utmost focus and intensity on each and every set that you perform if you are serious about achieving results with your physique. However I also think it’s just as important that you have a bit of fun as well while you’re in the gym lifting all those heavy ass weights.
But can you really build muscle without feeling pain? Can you really burn fat without having to suffer? And is it actually possible to enjoy your time spent in the gym?
HAS COVID-19 TAUGHT US A VALUABLE LESSON ON HEALTH & FITNESS?
Let’s be honest, COVID-19 has fucked up ALOT of things for us this year. And for the better part of 2020 most gyms across the globe have been forced to close to the public and some still remain closed to this day. Now for many people who are sedentary and inactive, this has made absolutely no difference in their day to day lives. However for many more people who do enjoy exercising and going to the gym on a regular basis, this had a significant impact on both their physical and mental health.
Here in Vancouver, British Columbia we’ve been very fortunate as the majority of our commercial grade gyms have re-opened their doors to the public. And even though there are more restrictions put in place in order to use these facilities, I think most Gym Junkies, are just happy that they now have a place to train and exercise once again.
However if there is one important lesson that COVID-19 has taught us, it’s that all the things we take for granted such as the gym, can be taken away from us within just a few days. Prior to COVID-19, I would constantly hear people bitching and complaining that they “had to go to the gym” or “didn’t feel like going to the gym” or were “too tired to go to the gym”. Well after most gyms being shut down for the past 12-16 weeks, I wonder how many of these people are wishing they took advantage of the gym, when they were able to.
EXERCISING IS A PRIVILAGE, NOT A PUNISHMENT
In all my years of going to the gym, I’ve never once felt sorry for myself. I’ve always felt grateful that I’m healthy and fit enough to be able exercise and workout on a daily basis. And when COVID-19 first hit Vancouver, I cannot tell you how fortunate I felt to be able to continue to train at our private training facility. However even I must admit that there were times prior to COVID-19 that I took the gym for granted. I am human after all. And I’ve had my fair share of days where I skipped the gym, or only gave a half-ass effort during a few my own workouts.
Living through this Global Pandemic has taught me that the gym is one of the most valuable assets that I have in my own life as it provides me with structure, clarity, fulfillment and happiness.
SO CAN YOU HAVE FUN WITH YOUR WORKOUTS?
As I mentioned earlier, I do think it’s important to have some fun and enjoy our workouts. However I would be lying if told you that I enjoy every moment I spend in the gym. No, going down and squatting 315lbs for 12 reps IS NOT FUN. And No, performing 12 sets of 32 reps of walking lunges IS NOT FUN. However the sense of accomplishment I feel after performing ridiculous exercises such as these, feels absolutely amazing!
And yes, you can have some fun during your workouts. Just don’t let this fun distract you from achieving your health and fitness goals. Keep turning those negatives into positives. No, not everyday in the gym is going to be your day. Some days you’re going to feel great while other days you’re going to feel like shit. The important part is that you remain consistent with both your training and your diet and don’t take for granted that you have the option to be fit and stay active.
“Health bring a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.”
Bronnie Ware
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance