Calm Down, No One Here is Strong

Some athletes are more captivated by their peers than others, but I’m sure to notice when it happens. I’m talking about when a student’s wheels are turning in their head: “What weight is she doing? Can I do that? I can do that. Man, this is heavy. What’s my deal?”

Let’s get clear on something. Firstly, and probably least importantly to you, no one cares. Literally, no one in your class has the time or energy to invest in your fitness journey enough to evaluate your character based on the weight of your barbell. They are on their own journey, too, remember?

Secondly, and probably most impactfully, no one in the room is strong by any means. Neither the strongest athlete in class, nor the coach are even on the spectrum of what would be considered “strong” in the grand scheme of things. We’re all beginners in a pool of tadpoles learning some basics.

All egos should recognize that this girl doesn’t even think she’s impressively strong and that’s a 330 pounds front squat. Neither does this kid.

If you’re jockeying for ego status based on your performance in the gym, I’ll have to be the bearer of bad news. It’s not even close. Let’s just be newbies together.

 

Logan Gelbrich

@functionalcoach