While at dinner the other night, I spoke with a buddy I’ll probably reference a lot throughout my blog. He was a bodybuilder in the mid 80s up through the late 90s. And, although he is past that point in his life, he stays active, working out every day.
One topic we touch on often is a comparison of the first gyms to the box clubs we see today. My friend, who exercised in gyms no bigger than a garage, and now exercises in a big box club, said one major element his missing — CAMARADERIE.
About 30 years ago, when people would go to the gym —mostly guys — people would socialize. It was more than just hitting the gym, doing some cardio, strength training and then leaving — all while wearing headphones listening to Marky Mark.
There used to be a workout code that everyone would abide by. “If someone was about to do a big lift, everyone would stop talking,” my buddy said. “It was disrespectful to keep talking while someone was trying to hit a personal best. We were all friends and everyone was supportive.”
Those types of situations are gone. It’s reached a point where asking for a spot is nearly impossible. People keep their headphones in while on the floor and to get their attention you need to wave them in like you would an airplane.
But, how can we reverse this?
In the clubs I’ve attended regularly, no one speaks to each other. There used to be a couple of groups that exercised together, but they are the minority. I’ve noticed that the personal trainers don’t even engage members on the floor. They will speak to each other and clients, but never to anyone else.
Maybe the trainers could be the key to bringing back the camaraderie. The club can control the actions of its trainers. Push them to engage members on a friendly basis. Don’t necessarily push them to offer unsolicited advice, but push them to say “hi” to members and try to make friends. They could be the connection between members that don’t know each other.
Not everyone has a workout partner. Some people are new to the city. Make your club a place where people can socialize, exercise and get in shape. Maybe, the camaraderie of old shouldn’t be expected. But, a friendly environment where members push each other for success could completely revolutionize the industry.
How is the camaraderie in your club? Do you miss that “old-school atmosphere?” Or, are you OK with how things have become so independent?
Here is a glimpse of the “old-school camaraderie” in action:
