One of the questions I used to get asked a lot was whether non-athletes can train with us. The answer, of course, is yes. We’ve tried to make this pretty clear on the website, but there is often a little trepidation when people come in. For those used to working out in commercial gyms, it can often be a little overwhelming to walk into our space and see people doing stuff like hitting a tire with a sledgehammer, pushing a weighted sled or performing Olympic lifts. Little do they know that they’ll probably be doing the same (and doing it well) in relatively little time.

There is often a fear — when seeing other perform well — that we will not be able to compete with them. Even worse, that we’ll do poorly and maybe even embarrass ourselves. That fear is imminently human. But if you feel it, know that it does nothing but slow you down. Ditch it.

I feel like we’ve done a great job of creating an accessible environment. In a 3,000 square foot space that we share with an MMA club and have filled with thousands of pounds of cruel implements, people feel welcome and comfortable. I believe this to be largely due to a single philosophy that we make clear: Your standard for success is you.

There is nobody at our gym that isn’t awed — in one way or another — by someone else. There’s a lot of talent there; way too much to try comparing yourself to. So we don’t bother. The only question that anyone has is what you’re capable of right now. Yeah, you.

Our job is to give you the best game plan possible. Your job is to bust your ass sticking to it. And that’s pretty much the whole story. Your own limits may be great, they may be humble. Our only expectation is that you will push them.

The last person to set a record was you. The next person to break that record will be you. There is no one else.

For some people, it’s liberating to take everyone else out of the equation. For others, it’s frightening. It means admitting that progress is the direct result of your own efforts. That may seem like a real bitch but I’ve got news for you: if you’re not going to take responsibility for your own success, no one will.

Do you have to be an athlete? Absolutely not. Do you have to push? You tell me.

Geoff

Photo from Jordan William Seddon

Congratulations to the Gore Gore Rollergirls on winning the Toronto Roller Derby Championship (in a stunning fashion) this past Saturday night.

We’ve been working with the Gore Gores since this past spring and — watching them dominate this season — there’s been no question that their hard work has paid off.

The same principles that we help every athlete develop — from movement and  strength to agility and power  — created a group that was hard to topple, frustrating to chase and hard not to root for.

It’s been a team effort, with Ron leading the training, Kyle handling the nutrition and the Gore Gores whupping ass. Congratulations, ladies!

Geoff

Our friend, Krista Scott-Dixon of Stumptuous.com waxes prosaic on the book The Vegetarian Myth right here. People on both sides of the moral fence that is eating other animals would be well advised to take a look-see right here.