Counselling, friendship, goals....

[mrbeefy]

I know this thread hasn't been visited in awhile, but I just finally got around to it.

Kudos to you Brock...you hit things right on the head.

Perhaps it's the "non-attachment" of the internet, but it is a little easier to vent and sharethis way, than it might be in person.

So many of you have proven that already, by your great comments, and words of wisdom.

REALLY happy to be associated with all of you....even Beckie ;D

[bgbdwlf]

Having just registered on this board a few days ago, I am still perusing the different threads that may have aged since first posted. This thread is a great one.

So many of the above posts ring true. As I read them, I think back to how my father always told me that you can measure your worth by the impact you have on the people around you.

A few years ago, the old gym I trained at closed down suddenly (there was some shady business dealing going on), and I found myself at a new gym. I like to think of myself as an intense, hardcore trainer, and I approached the new workouts like that. The new gym was much more of a health club - which I despised! I am definitely more of a "cellar dweller" when it comes to the atmosphere I like to train in. So...I turned up my ipod, pulled down my knit cap (I know - I train in one - and year round at that), and started tearing that place up.

I quickly became pissed that I found myself getting all of these funny looks from people. I would nod at someone while walking to the water cooler and they would just look away. People were staring from across the gym, only to look away when I glanced over. I was miserable there. I have been doing this thing call weight training and bodybuilding for quite some time and I guess I enjoyed being someone that could be counted on for good training and nutrition advice. Suddenly I was an outcast. So much so, that I started to use it as motivation. I would go in with a me against the gym approach.

Of course this only further intimidated the health club scene. It was only when I saw a slightly overweight guy busting his ass on deadlifts, but using the wrong form that I realized why I was an outcast. I went over and asked if I could offer some guidance on correct deadlift form. He hesitantly agreed and I proceeded to give him an explanation, doing a few reps as an example. He quickly got the hang of it and gladly thanked me for the help. A few minutes later he came over to me and asked me if he could train with me for a week. I explained how serious I am about my workouts and indicated that he would be following my routine and he would have to give all-out effort. He agreed and trained with me for several months actually. After about 2 months, he had grown like a weed, and several people talked to him about his progress. He then told me that others had some questions. I tried to address these - and quickly established a repoire with many in the gym.

Suffice it to say, I am now able to get my workouts done and I have also established a good base of fellow gym members that I would consider friends - simply because I was willing to take the step and offer assistance, a kind word, a friendly greeting, etc.

Derek

[bgbdwlf]

Wow. Did I just type all of that? I'm now on carpal tunnel watch.