"Hey, buddy," I called out, pointing at the man who had just finished his set. "Could you put the dumbbells back on the rack?"
He had just completed his chest press and, after dropping the weights on the floor, was wandering around looking for a heavier pair.
"Yo, buddy," he responded with a slightly gruff tone, eyes still focused on the gym floor. He had managed to find one dumbbell, but the other still eluded him. His rest period was getting longer and frustration had managed to creep into his legs.
"It's over by the Smith machine," I said, pointing in the direction.
"Thanks," he muttered before grabbing the dumbbell and finishing his set.
That's how our path first crossed.
The next morning, as I arrived at the gym, I saw him at the reception. After exchanging hellos, his and a few pleasantries, I asked, "Why don't you re-rack the weights?"
He shrugged. "No one does. Isn't it the gym's job to put them back?"
As I warmed up, his response lingered. He wasn't wrong. Many of us leave weights scattered around. It's a habit, and habits, as we know, are tough to break.
I was also guilty of this practise. Even though I am quite organized in my personal and professional life, I also at times left weights scattered, justifying my action by others deeds.
But this realization led me to an important question: Could there be a way to change this behaviour, both for myself and others? Is it possible to make re-racking appealing? Could there be some benefits to re-racking?
The more I thought, the more possibilities it opened up.
Why Re-Racking Weights is Good for You
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It's Functional Training
Re-racking weights engages multiple muscle groups, simulating real-life movements like lifting and carrying. This adds an element of functional fitness to your routine. -
Promotes Joint Mobility
Moving weights helps maintain flexibility and joint health, supporting long-term mobility. -
Burns Extra Calories
Every movement counts. Re-racking adds to your calorie expenditure, turning a small task into a workout enhancer. -
Boosts Your Mood
Accomplishing small tasks, like re-racking, gives you a huge sense of satisfaction, boosts mood and makes you feel good. -
Helps Others
A tidy, organized gym benefits everyone. Not only does it prevent tripping hazards, but fellow gym-goers will appreciate the cleaner space. -
Become a Role Model
Your actions may inspire others. Once an old, slightly frail man thanked me for re-racking weights, explaining that it helped him get the dumbbells easily. His gratitude gave me a boost that no workout ever could.
Re-racking weights might seem insignificant, but it's a simple habit with big benefits. You're not just tidying up the gym but also adding an extra layer of functional training to your workout and making the space better for everyone.
So next time you hit the gym, challenge yourself to re-rack those weights. It's a small change that while enhancing your routine, makes you happy and improves the experience for everyone.
