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Why I Train
By Eric Morris | July 24, 2008
I have always wanted to write an article like this. Ever since I became interested in exercise and decided it would be not only my career choice, but my passion, I have yearned to explain to people why exactly I love it and hold it to be the foundation of the way I lead my life. I can safely say that I have found an audience and a community that feel the same way about exercise as I do. This article is for all of you like-minded people who ban together on a regular basis to tackle a grueling mental and physical challenge in the form of a workout. You people understand the rules even though they go unsaid. The competition is between you and yourself. Yes, there is always friendly competition between others; however the real fight lies within all of us. So I humbly offer my story of why I train, which I believe will not be far from yours. If it does fall off the mark, I hope it at least provides a refreshing sense of motivation you can take to your next training session and challenge that inner demon with everything you got
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about training hard is the eyes. Oh yes, just looking at ones eyes during a training session is very interesting. You can separate the people just going through the motions from those who are there to work. When I say work, I mean give everything they have. You can practically see the fire burning behind those eyes. You can almost hear the constant mental dialogue keeping them going. They approach a workout like a lion ready to attack, to maul, to destroy whatever challenge they happen upon. When I see someone training with this kind of intensity, I get excited. I want to train right next to them, suffer right next to them, grunt, scream and yell with them because they are my kind, they get it.
You cannot teach someone to develop this special kind of drive; you can only give them the tools to develop it. I respect and am in awe of these people that can lay their fitness on the line and work so hard and for the sheer purpose of working hard. They understand that one of the best feelings in the world comes when you know you gave a task everything you have and more. When I train, I think of these people and it motivates me. I want that accomplishment. I want to know that I can walk alongside them with honor and be proud of my accomplishment and theirs.
This is exactly what I have wanted my life’s work to entail. I want to be able to provide the tools, environment and atmosphere for developing this level of work ethic in others. Because life doesn’t stop once you leave the gym. There are a myriad of other challenges, obstacles and roadblocks that stand in everyone’s path in life. I have said in previous blog postings, it isn’t the problem that matters, it is the way you tackle it that is important. This thought rings true in any situation. Be it a personal set back or uncontrollable external event, each hardship provides an excellent learning opportunity.
I strongly believe that what you do in the gym should mirror what to do in real life. If you want to slog through another 30 minute cardio session on the elliptical at the local warehouse gym, fine. Be my guest. However, if you want to clench your fists, let the goose bumps and chills run through your body in anticipation of a punishing training session and approach it with the fire and intensity that is generated from your soul, come find me. I’m game.
Topics: Articles, Cynergy Central |
July 24th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Eric,
That should be published in a magazine somewhere! You couldn’t be more right!! I’m so glad you found us, and have been able to witness this full force!
July 25th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Well said Eric. So true that your training can serve you well in life outside of the gym. Your future in the fitness business is bright. Do I see a Crossfit affiliate ownership in the future? You may need to bring this to New Hampshire!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Great article Eric!
Your description of the intensity of one’s workout through their eyes is dead on. I am privileged to witness this every single morning I coach!
I saw it in the video of last month’s challenge in the eyes of Jessie as she powered through her clean & press with a focus that gave me goose bumps. In the eyes of Holly as she hit her elbows to knees one rep after the other and never gave up. In the eyes of Vicki as she watched the clock approach the end and completed every last rep with intensity and fire because she wanted it! And in your eyes as you effortlessly soared through your pull-ups seemingly floating to the bar each rep. I get it and I love it too!
It’s a powerful fuel and one that I will never tire of. Thanks for putting in words what many of us feel in our soul.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Very well said, Eric! You totally captured it! I loved the description about the eyes - so very true! How observant you are. As always, another great article. We will miss you tomorrow:( Enjoy your weekend!
July 25th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Well said Eric,
You captured the essense of what we do everyday! It is not about losing weight. It is about feeling better and being the best you can be! Great writing!