What is a Gym?
POSTED ON MARCH 11, 2024 BY JOEL FLINT
By Joel Flint
2024 is in full swing. Jan and Feb down and our first strength cycle for the year is in deload week before testing. Before 2023 ended and 2024 started, so New Year’s Eve, Jess and I were deep in discussion about the gym, excited for what 2024 has install for West End Strength. It lead us to ponder; What is a gym? and, What should a person get from their gym?
Do you think of a gym as a place of sweat, reps and calories? A place where you get in, suffer and get out as quickly as possible?
Do you see a gym as a negative place? Somewhere for the vain and self indulgent?
Does it seem like a luxury which you cannot afford due to the many other commitments in your very busy modern lifestyle?
All of these perspectives could be quite reasonable depending on your experience.
Physical/Mental health benefits
We want W.E.S to be a place which emphasises the profound physical and mental health benefits of exercise. If you’re on the fence about this pick up a copy of the book “Outlive” by Peter Attia. The amount of scientific evidence in favour of exercise (and not just strength training, aerobic training as well) is staggering and this book is one example of a compilation of compelling data.
We believe that most people are aware that to live long and well they would be best to build a habit of exercise. And most people would probably agree that “if exercise was a pill everyone would be taking it”. Unfortunately there is no magic pill for building and maintaining a habit of exercise, and enjoying the profound benefits that this entails.
A Diverse, Inclusive & Welcoming Environment
This leads to a second core value of our gym. We want W.E.S. to be a place which lowers the barriers of entry to those who want to start exercising. If you are an elite athlete you are most welcome but W.E.S. does not aspire to a culture of elitism. We understand that gyms can be intimidating and we are doing our best to be welcoming and creating a space you feel at ease in.
We have cultivated a team of Coaches who make you feel at home when you come to train. Our programming is designed to be scaleable. We are extremely proud of the diverse range of ages, fitness levels, and experience that make up our membership.
A sense of Community
One of the things we reflect on and were most proud of in 2023 is the sense of community we have seen develop at W.E.S. Core value number three. We strive to create an environment where a gym member has the feeling of belonging and motivation which comes from being part of a group of like minded individuals.
We try to support this with events like Bring a Friend Saturday, member breakfasts, and run club. We were thrilled to see groups emerging organically around activities like pickleball and trivia. We were quite pleased when the Brisbane croquet club had to kick us out at the end of the Christmas party.
Feeling part of a tribe builds resilience to your training habit. Which in turn helps build resilience in other parts of your life.
A piece that helps right your ship through stormy waters
Over the course of 2023 we have at times been made aware of the profound struggles some of our members are going through. Whether that is mental health issues, facing challenging periods in life or battling difficult times privately.
The occasions when you confide in us are a privilege. We admire your honesty and support you in continuing the practice of moving your body for your mental wellbeing whatever you may be going through. Jess and myself, have at times appreciated the benefits training has had on our own mental health. If you are going through tough times and use your training to help keep your bearings we salute you and are here for you.
Conclusion
Thankyou to those who were sceptical but have come through the door anyway to see what W.E.S. is all about. We feel quite proud when we here things like; “You’ve turned me from a gym naysayer to a gym yaysayer”.
If you are not a member thanks for reading. If our values sound interesting to you please get in touch. If you give us a chance we will try to give you an experience of a gym which you probably have not had before.
Thankyou so much to our existing members. It gives a profound sense of meaning to be able to build our business around supporting a great group of humans striving to maintain and improve their physical and mental health. Very few people are lucky enough to be able to do work doing something they believe in. Thankyou for trusting us and choosing W.E.S. as your gym. Thankyou for your ongoing support.
It’s been a great start to 2024. We look forward to the year ahead and seeing what reflections we have when New Year’s Eve comes around at the end of this year.
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