Friends at the Gym
First of all, I am an introvert. If you saw me somewhere, and didn’t know me, you would probably think I was a snob. So it has taken me a while to open up and get to know the people I workout with at 5:15 in the morning, but now that I do know them, if gives me one more reason to drag myself out of bed at 4:30. I know that at least one of the "early morning crew" (some of whom get to the gym at 4:00 AM!) will be there.
I got a reminder of that this morning when I got to the gym, and only one guy was there, this other introvert who does crossfit-type stuff and always looks like he is in pain. We struck up a conversation for the first time, even though we had worked out in the same gym at the same time for months! So there is one more friend at the gym. On more reason to crawl out of bed.
When I ran into another one of the early morning crew in the parking lot as I was leaving at 6:30, we joked around a little, and he said, "I will see you early tomorrow!" I said, "Okay, I’ll see ya!" so that means I am gonna be up again tomorrow.
It doesn’t sound like a big deal to know some people at the gym will miss you if you aren’t there, but I have an ongoing battle. I open my eyes at 4:15 every morning and begin the argument:
"Today would be a good rest day. I need to rest"
"Rest!?! I haven’t worked legs/biceps/back in 4 days!"
"Yeah, but I have a big day at work today. I don’t want to be too tired"
"I am not going to be tired! I am always more awake after my workout!"
"One day of sleeping in ’til 6:30 won’t hurt"
"But Mike, Ralph, Susan, Michelle, Maria, Chonda, and everyone else will be in there. There is no reason for me not to be."
This continues until I get in the shower. Then I am committed.
So if you are having trouble getting motivated, join the closest gym that you can, and get to know some people. That will help keep you on track.
TH
May 28, 2009 at 6:23 am
I feel you. I am one too (I am getting better). People often take me for arrogant but I am just not a big talker.
I just don’t like when strangers at the grocery try to talk to me while standing in line or in elevators. That discussion doesn’t have any substance and I see no purpose.
But, once I get to know someone, you can’t shut me up (just ask a few folks at my gym)!
May 28, 2009 at 6:24 am
I think it’s sort of comforting to see the same faces everyday. They know how to behave and we’re never in each other’s way. We just exchange "hellos" for now and I have a conversation with one of the guys every so often, but I like seeing the same people over and over anyway. It makes it nice to go to the gym because I don’t have anxiety over idiots who might be there interfering with my workout in some awkward way.
May 28, 2009 at 6:26 am
Awesome blog,I too am part of the 4:45 am crew.The friends that I have made in this wee hr of the day is inspiring.It is true they do know when you are missing.We all knowabout each others family’s and what not and it’s true it definately motivates you to get out of bed and see the folks that you spend your 1st waking hrs with.
May 28, 2009 at 7:22 am
Right there with ya Steve. I hit the gym at 5am. My main motivator is fear……LOL. I fear that 1 day of sleeping in will lead to 2, 3, etc. Fear of complacency & excuses. If I miss the AM workout, I lose out til the next day. Evenings aren’t an option with kids, working late, other even commitments, etc. Keep charging amigo. And I’ll "see" ya tomorrow.
May 28, 2009 at 10:23 am
I don’t have a problem with motivation but then again Im not getting up at the ungodly hour u spoke of in your blog. Congrats on getting your butt to the gym! Keep it up! It will be SO worth it in the end.
My hubby also trains early in the AM and he finds it a constant struggle to get motivated to go.