Give us a smile

Training while I’m out in Spain. Different gym today ☹. It was fine. Machines are generic, so DB’s it was. Was short on time, so a different gym was the closest option (there’s a lesson here but that’s for another day).

My actual gym out here is Golden Gym Torrevieja - 20-minute drive but worth every second. Old school. No egg heads, or people thinking they’re the shit. Proper kit, proper people, and they let a crazy Russian woman control the music. Full 80s pop bangers the entire session. She absolutely smashes it - George Michael Club Tropicana at 8am - tune.

It’s one of those gyms where people train hard, say hello, and leave their egos at the door. You walk in and just feel comfortable. No posing, no pretending - just real people training. The difference between that and the usual gym scene is massive. Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air when the pretentiousness is stripped away. Totally liberating.

Back to closer gym today - the welcome was basically a staring contest from their members. Might’ve been the tan (fair enough lol), but still… a nod or a smile wouldn’t hurt. Just makes you realise how important that initial vibe is. A good welcome from the members goes a long way. We are so lucky at FF that everyone is really sound, help each other and smile. FF felt like a world away today.

Also - nobody puts their weights away. Different country, same problem.

Spanish old lads are great, though. Heads down, cracking on, no drama.

Brits are easy to spot. Tribal tattoos (we love a tribal don’t we), dodgy Sports Direct vests & talking too loud.

Morning sessions are GOAT. Got rid of my hangover in 20 mins. Felt awful walking in, felt mint walking out.

Let’s be honest - the weather out here makes it all easier. Sunshine, blue skies, no excuses. Back home it’s dark, wet, freezing - so what can we do? Build a proper community. That’s what gets you through. Train with your mates!

SO – BASICALLY…PLEASE SMILE AT PEOPLE IN THE GYM.

P.S. If you’ve read this far, WhatsApp me on 07891341128 - and if you didn’t manage to get your plus one added (even though the deal’s finished), I’ll sort it.

Heaton Road top floor sunrises still top everything, by the way.