Why I Train

A loaded question, but in 3 words: you vs you.

Training is more than just a space for physical exertion; it’s a lifestyle, a conscious decision to invest in your well-being, both body and mind.

Motivation and Discipline

Motivation is temporary, discipline is a constant. Nobody is motivated all the time, maybe half at best. The gym acts as a teacher, a mentor allowing one to understand that true progress is born from consistency and the unwavering commitment to discipline, day in, day out. It’s the daily grind, the persistence when motivation wanes, that transforms dreams into reality.

A Constant in Life | Clearing Your Mind

The gym becomes a sanctuary, a refuge from all the distractions in our world today. Training is a constant, and it is always there. The iron plates are a mental reset button, where the mind clears and focuses solely on the present moment.

The gym is the only place where all that matters is effort, to do the most simplest of human actions; push and pull. Nothing else matters when you’re in the middle of a set, you don’t have to think, you don’t have to speak, you don’t have to listen, you don’t have to feel. It’s the only place where if you work hard, you know results will come.

The Mind Driving the Body

Beyond physical transformation, training builds mental fortitude; it’s a lab for self-discovery and personal growth. It’s a journey where one can really discover themselves and become the best version of themself, both physically and mentally. It “calluses the mind” as referred to by one of my great inspirations, David Goggins. The inner limiter that we set on our mind can be broken down in the gym through pushing through pain, and allows the application of perseverance and discipline to be applied to all aspects of life, not just inside the gym.

Accountability and Self-Reflection

In the gym, there are no excuses, no scapegoats. The weights don’t lie. When the barbell is in your hands, the responsibility is unequivocally yours. There’s no one to blame for a half-hearted attempt but you. The gym acts as a unique scoreboard, a personal scorecard that doesn’t lie - you write your own report card, and the grades are earnt, not given.

Extreme ownership (great book by Jocko Willink, another one of my heroes), is a non-negotiable. Every set, every rep, is a declaration to yourself. The weights are an extension of your will, with the effort a testament to your commitment. The gym becomes a training ground, not just for the body but for the mind, a mindset that takes extreme ownership no matter what happens, acknowledges shortcomings, and embraces the opportunity to come back stronger.

In the end, the gym is not just a place to lift weights or run miles; it’s a sanctuary of discipline, accountability and self-reflection. As you step onto the floor, you remember that the process is yours to own, and every drop of sweat on the canvas is your own masterpiece to become the best person you can be. The lessons taught by yourself, to yourself, and with yourself in the gym is a long journey, a journey that extends far beyond the weights in work, academics, relationships, in all facets of life.