A personal reflection on how gym culture in Kenya has evolved from a supportive brotherhood to a more self-absorbed environment, and a call to restore the values of respect, sharing, and community.
I have been working out for about 10 years now, and the gym culture has changed for the worse in recent times.
For people who have never been to the gym, it is easy to assume that every gym goer is an arrogant person who is likely to look down upon you at any chance they get. At times, such an anticipated experience can be attributed to the rise of 'fitness influencers' whose brands revolve around putting others down.
Some people may also encounter arrogant gym goers in social settings, such as nightclubs. I admit it is common to find some bouncers to be a bit pompous, but such experiences should not be generalized for every gym goer.
I started working out around 2014 and became serious about it around 2015. These first years significantly shaped my experience of the gym culture and community.
When I joined the gym at the Technical University of Kenya, I expected the big guys to be conceited and boastful. However, I had a completely contrasting experience.
In fact, the biggest guys were some of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever met in my life. The big guys would correct my form, teach me about workouts, and even advise me on how to perform exercises.
I was working with my friend, and now a fitness influencer, Anthony Gachau. Joseph Wesonga, one of the top men's physique champions, was also among the individuals with some experience in the gym.
My friends and I used to study the big guys since we had little knowledge of the gym environment.
As I was watching and interacting with the then 'amateur' bodybuilders, I learned so much about the gym culture.
For instance, I realized that in the gym, everyone is respectful. Imagine yourself as a newbie in an environment where experienced individuals are willing to let you work alongside them.
For me, the gym was a place where men and women put their egos aside and strive to be better than they were the day before. No one is perfect.
We shared workout stations, weights, and even lifting gears; something that is increasingly missing in the current gym environment. Gym-goers have become selfish and self-absorbed, forgetting that we are simply at the gym to improve ourselves; otherwise, we would be at home.
Furthermore, the gym had a community, which you could call a brotherhood or sisterhood, depending on your viewpoint. The gym community involved groups of people working out together to push each other beyond their comfort zones and maintain accountability.
I had about five friends with whom I worked out, and we pointed out each other's mistakes or areas that needed improvement. It was both a fun and challenging experience because you had something to work on and improve, thereby avoiding becoming comfortable.
My friends and I shared fitness advice and nutrition tips, and by the second year of working out together, we noticed significant results. We passed on the culture to the incoming gym-goers, and it continued in this way because that was the gym culture that I learned from my seniors.
I loved the gym culture because it was a safe space to explore, learn, and challenge one another.
I enjoyed the idea of sharing the work stations and weights. The original gym culture consisted of selfless individuals.
Additionally, I appreciated the open discussions about lifting and nutrition. My friends and I used to do research, and then we would share findings.
No one was busy on their phones or hoarding equipment or a workout station. Additionally, we never had incidents of gossip that could tarnish a person's name.
Perhaps I started at an unpolished gym, but we upheld the values of respect, dignity, and integrity. My gym partners and I focused solely on working out.
I loved the brotherhood, and I acknowledge Gachau for trying to push the gym culture and community to a higher level.
However, the original culture is slowly eroding.
When you walk into the gym, you may find people gossiping, others are busy on their phones, and someone may be hoarding a machine unnecessarily. The gym has become increasingly complex for beginners, who struggle to ask for fitness advice and guidance on how to perform workouts, as even trainers are often busy on their phones.
The current gym culture is dominated by opinionated individuals. I am not saying everyone is exhibiting overbearing characteristics.
However, the gym culture and community are slowly eroding. I cannot recall how many times I have assisted newbies at the gym, even though I am not a trainer.
Some women complain that trainers are only willing to help them if they think they have a chance of sleeping with them. Other gym goers intentionally hoard equipment, making it harder for others to access it.
Consideration was once a crucial part of the gym culture. If you found a person using a workout station, you could request to work out with them, and everyone saves time.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed cases where a person shunned others from a workout station. Others use benches to rest, even when other members need them to perform actual exercises.
It is time we returned to the culture of togetherness, sharing, humility, and consideration—the original values of the gym culture.
When you go to the gym, remember everyone wants to work out and go home. Avoid gossiping, excessive browsing, and hoarding equipment.
Look around you and see if anyone is struggling; ask if they need some assistance. Greet that gym goer you see every day.
Share the workout station, remember, we are trying to save time. If you engage in these activities, you will notice an improvement in your gym experience.
We need to show the new generation that the gym is a place they can seek safety and still grow beyond their comfort zones. Going to the gym is not just about building muscles; some people might benefit from your presence, so let them in if you can.
I learned kindness from some of the men who may appear arrogant but are gentle at heart, and it completely changed my worldview. Remember, someone who is doing good and is not miserable may never have the time to look down upon others.
Let us be kind to one another and help restore the gym culture and community.
Proofreading by Grace Njoroge, copy editor at Fit Savanna.
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