Having experienced great pleasure at gyms in the U.S. – inexpensive, not too crowded, various type of equipments and huge facilities.
There were so many things I admired compared to typical gyms in Japan.
But if I had to say what impressed me the most, it would definitely be the “people.“
I think that difference comes form culture, but I’d love to accept that gym culture into Japan too.
The 3 things I was so impressed
- How many sets do you have left?
- Everyone is spotter.
How many sets do you have left?
When I was exercising on the machine, a guy came up to me and he asked me… “How many sets do you have left?”
I was very surprised at that because I totally did not expect that.
The reason why I did not expect that is it was my first time anyone had ever asked me.
Honestly, we Japanese never ask someone “How many sets do you have left?”, I’ve never experienced and seen for my gym journey at least.
Instead of asking someone to that, we Japanese usually just walk around and stare at the machine.
It does sound weird right, but it’s very normal at Japanese gyms.
Asking is very rational because if we do not ask that, we have no idea how long I would have to wait until he or she is done with the machine.
And after that experience, I’ve stopped just staring, and I started to ask because just staring at someone might make them feel uncomfortable.
Everyone is spotter.
The second thing that impressed me was literally “everyone is spotter”.
This might sound weird too, but even people who aren’t working out with me will willingly offer to spot me if they saw I was struggling — especially during heavy lifts like bench press.
They helped me a lot of times even I did not ask to spot me.
In Japan, that’s never happen. Most people avoid eye contact and rarely help others because they mind their own business at the gym.
I don’t say that it is that bad, but I desire this culture into our Japanese gyms too.
かっこいい体を手に入れてモテたい！好きな服が着れるようになりたい！
など、全ての目標を持って筋トレを始めようと思っている筋トレ未経験者の方に向けて、筋トレの正しい情報発信を心がけ、私の経験と科学的根拠を紹介しつつ成功に向けた道を示します。
