Gym Culture Ignores Movement Skill to Focus on All the Wrong Things

Gym culture is ripe with controversy. Now, I’m terrified of heights, but here I am teetering on top of this not-so-sturdy soap box. 

When I saw the photo above I chuckled. When people visit the gym and ask, “What’s with the kegs?” I  just say, “That’s fitness equipment.” (I find my own jokes amusing..)

Now, one of the first ways gyms seek to create value is with amenities. They have pristine, even high tech, equipment. This is fine, I guess. 

Call me a hater if you may…

What’s confusing is how much folks seem to focus on everything but movement. There are endless web forum threads on gear, makes and models, styles of training, protocols, etc. But, when I walk into a gym on the road, the movement coach in me is looking (and hoping to be surprised) to see people moving well. 

And, the truth is, people just… aren’t. 

One of the things I love most about basic, no frills equipment is that it bring the focus back to the mover. When you strip away the distractions, the burden of responsibility comes back to what matters most: how we are moving. 

When there are movements to be mastered, it seems silly to spend time discussing equipment brands. Carry on.