By most conventions, time spent at the gym is probably considered a self-serving endeavor. It’s “me” time -- time spent investing in oneself, serving personal, even “selfish,” goals.
On the one hand, this has some truth to it. Time spent in a movement practice, working towards better fitness and health, is something that garners personal benefit. Functioning better, looking better, and feeling better all have self-serving benefits. And if you ask me, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing something for yourself. But what if your “me” time was about more than just you? What if it was also about your friends? Your family? Your society?

At some level, everyone is either an asset or a liability. Every choice/path/direction has a consequence, and that consequence doesn’t always fall exclusively in your lap. In fact, I’d venture to say that your choices have as much of a consequence for the world outside of you as they do for you personally.

Consider that those who are physically active and of a healthy weight have, on average, lower annual healthcare costs, fewer sick days, greater mental (and physical) performance, and longer lives. Are you a greater asset as a parent when you live a shorter life, are more regularly sick, and have lower energy levels? Or are you a greater liability to your family? Are you a greater asset as a citizen when you lack the strength and physical conditioning to act in an emergency situation, to pull someone from a burning car, protect a loved one in an encounter, to survive and help others survive the unexpected and unthinkable? Or are you a greater liability? Are you a greater asset to your society or your family when your early decline in health leads to higher healthcare costs and lower productivity and contribution? Or are you a greater liability?

You can make your fitness all about you, but I’ve found that doesn’t speak as loudly to some people. Consider that your fitness has a ripple effect on those around you, those who you love and care for. Time spent improving yourself may seem self-serving, but what if it’s a choice that helps you be a better asset to your family, your friends, your work, and your society? Does that help put it one spot higher on your priority list? I hope so.

- PS

5/16/17

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  Partner band sprints - 4x50m

  
  

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  5 min AMRAP

  
  




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  500m row

  
  


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  AMRAP squat clean and jerks (95/65)

  
  




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  Rest 3 mins

  
  


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  For time:

  
  




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  Complete the 500m row + same number of reps as you did in the AMRAP, but for time