I’m just going to say it. In my not so humble opinion, most people that I see in gyms these days simply do not train hard enough. Perhaps it’s because I’m a trainer or maybe it’s because I’m just old and bitter, but I rarely if ever see anyone at the gyms that I train at, giving their workouts 110%.
Now there are ofcourse a few exceptions to this lackluster style of training that I witness on a daily basis. One of them being our very own clientele that we work with on the floor. Our clients train hard because we don’t give them a choice not to. And one of the reasons they continue to work with us, is exactly for this very reason. When you train hard and give it your all, you see results. When you train half ass and spend half the workout on your phone or talking to your buddy, you see jiggle and flab. Yes, it really is that simple. And yes, it really is that black and white.
Mindless Music
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again and I’m sure I will say it at least a thousand more times – In my opinion, technology has no place in the iron jungle. Sure, it’s great to have your own workout playlist that you’ve made on Spotify. But if you’re constantly looking for a certain song or trying to download the latest hit in between sets, your perfect playlist has become a disturbing distraction. I have no issue with using a phone on the floor during a workout to listen to motivational music, in fact I encourage it. But once I pick my playlist, I stick with it throughout my entire training session. I’m focused on my workout, not what song is playing in the background.
Sitting on Social Media
This one drives me absolutely nuts. There is nothing more annoying then watching someone occupy a piece of exercise equipment for what seems like an eternity, while they sit there on their phone updating their Facebook status or scrolling through their Instagram newsfeed. Again, I have no issue with social media (besides the constant shameless selfies and narcissistic ass update photos) but save the “likes” and uploads for after your workouts as opposed to during them.
Texting While Training
In 2018 it’s against the law to text while you are driving. If you get caught doing it, you’ll receive a fine. I think the same rule should be applied for texting while training in the gym. Text messaging, whether it be with a friend or colleague, can become extremely distracting and take your focus away from your next set. And if you’re one of the those few people who are able to multitask (or at least think they are capable of multitasking) in between sets while texting on your phone, then just remember to keep your texting quick and short. If you’re training in a busy gym, there’s a good chance that someone is waiting to use the piece of equipment you are using (or texting on in this case). I personally do not respond to any text messages or emails during my own workouts. The last thing I want to be doing is arguing with a friend or dealing with a schedule conflict at work, before I’m about to get under the bar and squat 315lbs for reps. Give your workout your undivided attention. You owe it to your health and to the people who are training around you.
Is Any Workout Truly Better Then No Workout?
Maybe I am too hard on people. Maybe I should just mind my own business. Maybe I should save my thoughts and opinions on this subject for my next Trainer Rant (due out this Spring). Or maybe I’m just trying to find a reason as to why people have become so lazy in the gym.
I’ve heard the famous saying that “Any Workout is Better Then No Workout at All”. But to be honest, I think this statement is complete bullshit. Because quite frankly going to the gym while taking photos of yourself in the squat rack, updating your status on Facebook, liking Instagram photos, searching for songs on Spotify, watching YouTube videos and whatever the hell else people are doing (or not doing) these days in the gym, is NOT better then not working out at all. In fact, I would much rather prefer that these people stay at home then get in my way or distract me from my own workouts.
As Thomas Edison once said – “There Is No Substitute for Hard Work”. So with that said, do your future self a favour and work hard now.
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance