Why here, why now?

The other day, I went to the gym and noticed a group of sad individuals. Given the facility's high cost, one would assume that attendees genuinely prioritize fitness, in line with Maslow's pyramid of needs, and are willing to invest in it. Despite its wide range of services and appealing ambiance, my experience revealed a different reality.

Essentially, for most people I observed, almost everything seemed to be going wrong. The cheerful athletes portrayed on posters didn't align with the actual atmosphere at the gym. Instead, I witnessed a group of miserable and tense individuals who seemed coerced into lifting weights. With tunnel vision and serious faces, they appeared to pedal for survival, counting down the seconds until they could escape the machines. Why subject oneself to such discomfort? Why force attendance at a place meant for leisure or hobby, all while paying hundreds of euros annually to be amidst stressed-out individuals?

It seemed to me that many people were engaging in fitness for the wrong reasons. I felt compelled to grab a microphone and proclaim that it's perfectly acceptable to spend an evening on the couch if that's what brings joy. Resting and doing less is okay. Not everything in life needs to be optimized, maximized, or crafted to perfection. Choose activities that bring happiness; spend your life trying new things, making mistakes, picking up and dropping hobbies, starting and abandoning university degrees, backpacking through Zimbabwe, or cleaning toilets in Dubai – as long as it aligns you’re your personal happiness and purpose. Why endure hours and years of agony just because someone on the internet shamed you into it, all while passively-aggressively mixing his protein shake?

Being authentic may come at a price, but inauthenticity is even more expensive and can jeopardize your livelihood. While not dismissing doctor's recommendations – acknowledging that staying fit is essential and beneficial – it's crucial to embrace diverse forms of exercise, even if it's as simple as dog walking or gardening. Who are they to judge? 😊 

It all boils down to being present and aware of the current moment. Many people start working out while solely fixated on the future, thinking that enduring hardships now will reward them with a better body next summer. However, this mindset can be a slippery slope, a journey I've traversed many times. My experience involved pushing myself through excessive workouts, leading to burnout within weeks or months. I would then abandon the entire routine until the next impulsive burst of motivation. Breaking this cycle for me involved finding sports I genuinely enjoy and love doing each time. Despite entering the gym with a big smile and receiving peculiar stares, it didn't discourage me. It prompted reflection on the patterns of my thoughts during workouts and why they differed from the prevailing energy in the room.

It's evident that our brains are wired to predict the future and anticipate events, a concept exploited by various industries. Initially, it might be challenging to shift focus from the future to the present. What helps me enter a reflective mode is contemplating the past, which holds numerous lessons and wisdom. Forgiving and letting go are essential aspects of the past. Ask yourself: When were you happiest? When were you saddest? Which situations would you like to avoid, and which ones would you choose to repeat? What advice would you give yourself at this exact moment?

A workout like that will not only train your body but also your mind.

Love,

Faja