The Gym: The Yin and Yang of training

Gym, that place where every Fitness Competitor, Bodybuilder and all kinds of athletes spend hours and hours sweating and swearing every week. Not to forget the "common people": the ones that just go to the gym for their own pleasure, to stay healthy, to get skinny or maybe just because the doctor told them to. To some people the gym is a place to be seen, when others would prefer that no one would ever see them pulling off that final rep in squats.  

I must admit one of my favorite episodes of "The Simpsons" 

is the episode where Homer hits the gym. 

At first he doesn't even know how to say the word 

and is wondering what "guy-m" is.

The variety of gyms even in Helsinki is vast. From the original basement gyms, to the huge chain organizations to the newest "Well Being Centers". I am sure everyone can find their kind of a gym. So the argument, "I just don't feel like I belong there" is hardly a valid argument when one chooses not to go to the gym (of course at this point I would like to emphasize than NO ONE is obliged to go to the gym, there are many other forms of activities to keep you happy and healthy).

Nevertheless, personally I must admit regarding my preferences when it comes to gyms, I am somewhat divided in half. I happen to think, that in life and also in training you need the Yin and the Yang. As some of you might know, Yin and Yang are not opposing forces, but complementary forces that interact to form a greater whole. A balanced training to me means a balanced body and a balanced body leads to a balanced mind. 

So what represents the Yang in my training life? 

"Words that describe Yang: positive, male, day, active, sun. logical, hot, hard"

This is definitely the gym that I go to when I want to do that heavy, intensive and off the charts workout with out any extra chit chats or gimmicks. GB Gym is the place to be for "cut the crap" work outs and I love the fact that I can go there when ever I like because it is open 24/7 for their members. The owners and other staff are amazing people and the variety of the equipment is great. Even in the rush hour you usually don't have to wait for your turn very long, because people are nice and share the equipment with you if you just ask (with a smile).

How about Yin then?

"Words that describe Yin: negative, female, night, passive, moon, intuitive, cold soft"

I'm afraid this might come as a shock, especially to the people who know me, but I am also a member of the Lady Line gym chain. I do not go there to do any heavy duty workouts, but I am very pleased with their selection of yoga, stretching and abs lessons. I am also a heavy user of their infra red sauna, in which I must admit I spent many hours before the Fitness Expo. I also have the kind of gym pass, which allows me to go to any establishment of theirs all around Finland. This is an excellent feature for me, as I am travelling a lot because of my work. Oh, and they also have those massage chairs, I must admit I love.

Ok, no worries people. You still wont be seeing me 

in any Zumba classes in the future either.

A balanced workout leads to a balanced mind, a balanced mind leads to a balanced life?

I  think that in workouts and in life in general you just have to have both: The Yin and the Yang. Those "I am just about to puke in my mouth" leg days, to those late nights when you first go to a hot yoga class, and afterwards relax in an infrared sauna. One really should listen to their body and mind. Especially now, when the autumn blues in getting to people, the flu season is kicking in and the sun keeps on hiding for days. So, keep warm, eat your vitamins, eat clean food, stay positive and work out either very hard or just to relax from the day. The sure thing is, hard or easier training, the result always is: You will feel great(or at least better) afterwards. 

I did not draw this myself. 

I found it in the web but I think it is awesome 

and just about sums it up

pretty nicely.