Quitting Commercial Gyms and Going Intrepid Gym

Going to the gym is tough. Working out is even tougher. It involves motivation . . . to just get there. When you do, it’s a “go hard or go home” attitude that should be adopted in order to get the most out of your workouts.

But is it really?

I joined a commercial gym because it was convenient. Probably what you do too. Walk over to the gym right after work and get a good workout in. Oh, got a busy day? Just take care of it at lunch. Sweet, right?

Eh, not so much.

Here’s the scoop on most commercial gyms:

1. A ridiculous line for the cardio and weight equipment. Sorry, but I don’t have time to run on a treadmill for an hour. I’m not a fan of running. Everyone has their preferences, and running isn’t bad for you at all. If you’re digging the long run that’s cool, but there are more efficient ways to work out.
2. A lot of people that don’t know what the hell they are doing. Meatheads love picking up heavy weight but either talk about it more than actually lifting it or just don’t know how to.  Do me a favor; please don’t tell me how to lift. Oh, and do yourself a favor and get a trainer to teach you some proper form before you get hurt. Thanks.
3. No space to do fun stuff like sprints or jumping exercises.  Try doing a jump squat in the gym. Seriously. But watch out for the mirror, racks, and the pull up bar above your head. Not to mention the fact that the other space you have to jump around is reserved for stretching and light dumbbell work. How many funny looks do you get when doing plyometrics?
4. People doing impractical exercises, like bicep curls or calf raises – now this isn’t a bad thing if you’re a body builder or an athlete.  But you’re probably on a pretty tight schedule and you’re probably not a bodybuilder or athlete. So it’s kind of impractical. If you’re minding ya fitness, you know it’s the big muscles and compound movements that gets you more bang for your buck in less time.

Then I came across Intrepid Gym. This was like . . .  Facebook timeline status. What a life changer. For real.

The space was awesome. You could jump rope without having to worry about smacking someone in the face or hitting a wall. Jump squats and burpees without looking like a jackass, awesome. And if you want to get that strength up, bang out some heavy sets. No problem. So it’s the best of both worlds right?

Long story short, I quit my membership and probably won’t ever sign up for your conventional commercial gym ever again (unless I need to – I  still gotta get my gym fix). Here’s why:

1. Customer Service – It’s nice to know that someone cares and is pushing you through workouts. Not to mention the fact you’re being asked, yes the PAYING customer is being asked PERSONALLY, how the customer experience can be improved. Nice work on the business model- I’m digging it. Besides, do you want to fill out a dinky card on your way out of the gym? Do commercial gyms even use that stuff anyways?
2. The group classes are FUN. It’s a hybrid of strength and high intensity training. The best part is that you’re being cheered on or cheering to finish up the workout. It involves camaraderie and competition.  You’re not just getting a workout; you’re busting your ass. So get after it.
3. The fitness industry is starting to get disrupted on a variety of fronts. One example is nutrition intake like meal frequency. Another is the type of workout programs designed for efficiency and effectiveness. Practicality is the name of the game and this gym got game. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t have fun throwing stuff around – especially after a stressful day. Want to work out here?  Get ready for rope climbs, sprints, ring work, stair climbs, and throwing stuff around. Functional movement makes for a great body, that’s what you’re after anyways right?
4. There is a lot of open space here. Feeling cramped in a small space when I need to move around isn’t cool. Enough said.
5. Does anyone find it funny that every New Year or every spring there is a huge push to “get fit” for the season? Then it gradually fades away like the New Year crowd  . . . about 2 weeks later. This gym takes the mind ya fitness approach – lifelong pursuit to better development and better health. Who would have it any other way?

What is Intrepid Gym?

Intrepid Gym is the only gym that I’ve found that isn’t the cult of crossfit or the drudgery of commercial gyms. It’s a perfect balance with a brand that involves more than just a gym. Intrepid Gym puts out an open invitation for anyone to embark on a lifestyle that involves being fit and healthy. That’s what it’s all about.

Check it out. If you’re in the Hoboken or Jersey City area you should definitely give it a shot if you think that you got what it takes:

“Pain is only temporary, but results last forever” – www.intrepidgym.com

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