On Talking to People at the Gym

I’ve been working out at the same gym near my apartment for more than two years now. I usually work out in the morning before work, and I’ll usually see the regulars there. 

Every gym has that one person who seems to know everyone. One of my friends, Mo, is that person. He’s the local gym socialite. I always see him dapping up someone new or in conversation with someone between sets.  My first conversation with him, I was resting between pull-ups, and he complimented my form. We then started talking from there and we catch up every time I see him at the gym. 

Recently, I asked him if he’s naturally this social or if it’s something he worked on. He told me that because he works as a lawyer and constantly has to wear a mask, the gym is his chance to get his social fix. 

I’ve traditionally viewed working out as a solitary activity. However, seeing Mo engaging with many people at the gym has inspired me to reconsider my perspective. Perhaps I should see exercise less as an individual pursuit and more as a communal experience.