A couple of people have asked me about what my ideal Gym would look like, if i were to own one. What would the features be? What would the methodology be? Who would your clientele be? As i got to pondering, i realize that there would be some key features in the facility of my choosing. Here they are:

1) Simplicity trumps Extravagance: There would be no fancy equipment, no techno-gym gadgets, things with funny levers or contraptions that looked like a failed HG Wells time machine. Exercises selected would first be those that teach the clients how to move and control their bodies effectively in space using their bodyweight only, then moving on to use certain implements such as barbells, dumbbells, and odd objects. There would also be gymnastic apparati such as rings, stall bars, and bars for hanging and having fun!

“What muscle does this one work?”

2) All people using the facility would be encouraged to train and play barefoot. We spend enough of our time in shoes, and our feet, as a society, are largely dysfunctional and in need of serious ground time. Athletes seeking records in certain lifts will be rewarded extra points if they can do it barefoot. Another benefit of going barefoot is that one cannot cheat during play by slamming their feet down too hard during jumping or lifting efforts, and will help teach the body how to absorb shock throughout the entire kinetic chain, not just localize the shock to one or two joints.

3) Nobody will be turned away. We will meet people at their level of fitness wherever they are at in their quest towards a happy, functioning mind and body. No elitist mentalities, no posh gym clicks, and no disrespect on either end. Anybody from children on up to golden-age folks, preferably playing and training together side by side. We can all learn something from each other, no matter what age group, i encourage others to find that. Children can teach us how to be care-free and adventurous, to step outside of our “routine”. Hungry athletes can teach us determination and drive, as well as to push ourselves past our perceived limitations. Seniors can teach us restraint, knowing when to back off, and the foresight of enjoying the experience and how to stick with it, because they have “been there”.

4) There will be a Library for all to use. Books, journals, DVDs, pamphlets, napkins with salient quotes, etc will be placed in the community library located next to the gym floor. Friends will be encouraged to read, rent books, and add to the collection. Trainers will encourage their clients to educate themselves in their spare time; one more step in the quest towards self-reliance that we would all wish upon those that train under a trainer.

5) Classes will be held outdoors as much as possible. If the opportunity presents itself, classes will be held outside. Even if it is raining lightly, classes will still be held. We don’t get enough fresh air or sunlight, which is a missing part of optimal health. Showers will be available on the premises after the classes if mud and rain are an issue. A little mud, dirt, and rain never hurt anyone. Kids do it all the time, and the smile you’ll have on your face the rest of the day as you sit in your office cubicle, that sense of exuberance in your soul from a good morning of playing in the mud, will stir up enough energy to keep you going throughout the day.

6) There will be a biodynamic-organic garden on the premises. The on-site nutritionist will not only encourage the clientele to eat well, but they will also give them the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and what the difference is between, not only processed food vs. natural foods, but also the difference between biodynamically grown organic food vs. produce grown with pesticides and other chemicals. Ideally, cooking and preparation classes would be taught periodically to teach strategy and time-saving tips in light of helping others make smart changes in their diet. Along these same lines, there will be no peddling of supplements by anyone.

7) Competitions would be held regularly to help others stay motivated to exercise and to have something to keep people challenged towards becoming happier and more fit. Everything from road races, weightlifting competitions, strongman events, family competitions (father/son, mother/daughter, etc.), fitness scavenger hunts, camping trips/adventure outings, bike rides, etc. Getting the community involved and active is an important part of health, and is part of the reason why people in commercial gyms may see results after working hard for a few months, but then ask the question “Ok, i’ve lost 30 pounds, now what do i do? I still hate working out.” What do you want to do with your body? and how can you incorporate movement into that scheme? Friendly competition is a great way for many to challenge themselves in a fun atmosphere, while continuing their quest of staying active and healthy.

There will be two quiet rooms for meditation, visualization, naps, etc. Just as everyone is expected to give their best each and every day, there needs to be a balance of energy focused inwards. The rooms wont be shrouded in mysticism or adorned with moroccan tapestries, they will simply be padded rooms allowing for complete silence. From athletes seeking to work on focused attention to busy executives learning to quiet the mind, the rooms will be their to serve the purpose of sharpening the vision of the mind’s eye.

9) There will be no chairs. Sitting is something we do enough of in every day life. Not even the receptionist, the other staff, or myself will have access to chairs. This will allow for creativity in a multitude of different ways for one to rest when needed. Pick a position and move often if you need to rest. Be it in the lotus position, the hero’s pose, on your belly, on your back, or on two feet, the positions are endless. If these leaves you frustrated, then perhaps a walk would suit that you best.

10) No “technology” will be allowed to be used in the building. Those individuals who choose to chat on iPhones, video conferences on laptops, etc (and i’m guilty of this, as well), will be asked to abstain from use of these devices on the premises. There is enough disconnect of what is in front of us in every day life, the gym should be a place to balance out the use of technology and get back ourselves and our need to focus on what’s in front of us in the present time.

Ten is a good number to end it on, but i’m sure other ideas will present themselves in the future. It could be a little hard to implement such things, but ideals are a great place to start. This will be somewhat of a gold-standard criterion, and the actual implementation may shift things a bit. If you had a gym, what would it be like?

Charlie Reid Uncategorized