Delusions, Lies and Second-Tier Fitness

What do you mean by delusional? I think of it like this: I once heard that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and over again and expect different results. Every year, people join gyms and make commitments they know they’ll never follow through on, but they think “this time is going to be different”. Hence, delusions. 

Lies are some of the most interesting things out there. In every lie, there is always a kernel of truth.  Everyone tells themselves that this time is different – it’s a lie. Fitness marketers tell you twenty minutes a day on whatever gadget they are selling, that you too will be fit like the model or martial arts hero (Chuck Norris is still a badass). We lie to ourselves that we will get up at 5 or 6 in the morning 5 days a week, that we will go running the snow because this time is different. This time, we are really going to get into shape. The lies are there because we never define what getting in “shape” is. The lie is there because we buy into Muscle and Fiction and whatever product the bodybuilder on the cover is taking and we believe in the concoction of a half-boiled chicken breast with two teaspoons of kiwi will make the difference. (Not to mention the cocktail of other hormonal supplements)

Second-tier fitness?  I want you to try this: put your hands together and push together as hard as you can for 3 full minutes. C’mon, you can do it. You will begin to feel a little stress in your arms and chest. You may even feel some burning and discomfort and tomorrow, you may be sore. You may even begin to perspire or sweat or you may need to take a shower. What you’ve just participated in is the illusion that because your muscles may have started burning or because you started sweating, will help your fitness. It will to a point, but ultimately, what’s the plan of operation behind it and does it make sense. Copying old workouts and saying it is the same as what we do now is like the feathers, butt and chicken scenario. Amusing, uncomfortable and generally laughable.

So where are we going with all the quasi-negative tongue-and-cheek banter (I love the word banter)? One of the funny things about the way we present what we do, if you’re reading this and laughing your ass off, you probably belong with us. If you’re reading this and getting offended, you probably don’t belong with us. This is a like a marketing litmus test. You dip it in the water, if you come out pink, go to globogym, if you come out blue, come and train with us. We put skull and crossbones on our website because I want you to think twice before coming in, unless you are absolutely sure you know you are going to work your ass off and suffer intensely, while getting results that last. All are welcome; few have what it takes to stay. HyperFit USA

Comments

[Susan]

Well stated.