Our Garage Gym

Been a while.

But for good reason because we’ve been working on something pretty special every weekend for what seems like an eternity. Turns out an eternity is only 2 months, but the idea of our very own garage gym has time turning quickly.

This writing is not intended to overview the How nor the What of our (in progress) garage gym. For that, there’s always Instagram. However, a few good pals have asked me Why we’ve been taking on such a project.

Before jumping right in, I think it’s important to understand our decision to pursue this build didn’t come without careful consideration. Especially if you’ve considered a home gym of your own, I feel it’s important to note our decision was not unfounded. In fact it was very… founded.

When COVID-19 forced gyms to close, it allowed me to live the life of a “home gym owner.” These closures were abrupt, so I didn’t have any lavish equipment at my disposal. Creativity was forced in the face of a suboptimal exercise environment, and to my surprise, I didn’t hate it. I mean, is working out with only a set of 25 lb dumbbells something I’d like to do forever? No shot. However, it confirmed a big, fat YES to the months spent wondering, “Will I enjoy a garage gym, and will I actually use it?”

Also, don’t get me wrong. I am not against mainstream gyms and fitness centers. At all. In fact, there are many reasons why those gyms are great for the majority of people, but that’s not what this piece of writing is about.

Here’s why we decided to build a gym at home.

Reason #1 Culture

Someday, I hope our family includes a couple more members, and I want them to grow up understanding the significance of physical health. I don’t plan on being some drill sergeant parent, but I believe that physical well-being spills over into every aspect of one’s life.

Without the persistence and determination akin to eight years of weight lifting, I may never have started this blog. I may not be pursuing more professional opportunities. I’d simply have less drive to achieve great things.

The point is, growing up in a culture where setting physical goals and sweating to achieve them is important.

Reason #2 Time

Unknowingly saving time is wonderful. I say unknowingly because there’s a fine line between being efficient and robotic. I do not brush my teeth in the shower to save time, but if I can save 20 minutes six days per week by not commuting to the gym, I’m all in. The commute is one thing, but how about waiting on equipment? What about all the small talk somehow turning seconds into minutes? Time is a precious resource, and I’d like to take advantage of mine.

Not to mention, this means more time spent with my fiancé.

Our professional lives have been very busy over the past couple of years, and for the most part, the “busyness” is great. However, this means more time spent on ourselves rather than on each other. Now with a (soon to be completed) garage gym, we’ve got a reason to spend several more hours with each other every week.

Reason #3 Helping Others

Prior to coronavirus running amuck, I was working with several folks, showing them how to get leaner, stronger and more athletic. It was freaking awesome, but I was doing this exclusively via the Internet or in person at a business.

I soon realized that doing so would be much more productive and practical if we had a designated space to train. I haven’t ironed out any details, but having a space to both train others and myself is in the works.

Thanks for reading.