OP-ED: America Wants Open Gym Because It’s Exhausted By Uncertainty

When the phone rings, more folks than ever on the other line are requesting open gym. The trouble is most movers I observe 1) don’t know how to move and 2) don’t have a program that will support a successful training experience. 

So, why are adults so fearful of a coach-led training experience?

Other than the obvious fact that the fitness industry has shot itself in both feet with a full clip and then reloaded to make sure no toes are left with its cringe moving target of fad chasing and narcissist projection of its authority figures, people generally don’t want to be in situations where they don’t know what’s going to happen. 

Unfortunately, most adults would greatly benefit from structure, proficient coaching, and a thoughtfully progressive training program. 

So, what do we do next?

Authority figures in the strength and conditioning world need to invest time and energy to remove the opacity from their training. Bury the lead. Paint a picture. Remove uncertainty. 

Customers of the fitness industry need to work to hold space for more nuance. Many training experiences can be poor, but it’s still worth finding the good ones. Our health depends on it.