“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” I constantly refer to this quote, as it stays rent free in the forefront of my mind each and every day. I mostly think of this when I enter the doors of the gym, as I come to better myself, both physically and mentally. I have gotten very serious in the gym in the past year and a half, so this topic is extremely relevant to me, and many others who work hard to better themselves in the gym.
I chose a 60 second clip of someone getting criticized about being unnatural, and taking steroids in order to achieve a desirable physique. Clearly, the critic does not have much knowledge of the gym, and what takes place in the everyday life of people who train to better themselves at an extreme level. Now I would consider myself as someone who takes lifting very seriously. I count my calories, make sure I work hard in the gym, get proper sleep, and research better foods I could be eating as well as just general tips in order to have a more effective workout and faster recovery.
I have a friend that has been getting into the gym that trains with me a few days out of the week. He reminds me of myself when I was younger, as he looks up to bigger, stronger, more developed guys in the gym based on their impressive physique. Oftentimes he says, “Do you think that guy is on steroids?” Sometimes I answer yes, but more often than not, I say “No, I do not.” Many people who are inexperienced in the fitness community, that go to the gym for the first time, put many people under this single story impression, that just because they are big and strong with defined muscles means they are on steroids. This is more often than not false. You have to take into account what goes into their lifestyles. These people do not just hit the gym and that's it. They get 8-10 hours of sleep each night, eat the proper amount of calories, take care of their body, and come in with the right mindset to get the most of their workout each day.
Now some people do take steroids for different reasons, which I am not condoning the use of, but this does not mean it’s just a magic pill that gets you big and jacked. An immense amount of work has to be put in each day as well.
I picked this specific video because the person in this video, Max Euceda, was in the same seat we were all in just two years ago, except he was in Ms. O’Tooles SUPA Writing class. If you were to take a look at Max two years ago, you would not imagine he would be where he is now. He made a video saying, “Two years ago I was at the lowest point of my life. I had no interests, no future, no reason to live, but the only thing holding me back was myself. So I chose to finally take control of my life, to always become the person I’ve always dreamed of. I woke up everyday with a purpose, and I got stronger, wiser, and happier. For once my life finally had meaning. All that was stopping me was one decision. This is your sign to make that decision. Be who You want to be and find YOUR purpose. You CAN do it.” When I hear a story like this, and see the transformation of an individual, I always have a smile on my face. I think it is important to recognize people taking control of their lives, turning their dreams into a reality. This motivates me to keep going down the right path, as I know I am not the only one who has struggled and sacrificed in order to achieve their dream.
The fact that Max has gotten accused of steroids is in fact understandable, as his physique is extremely impressive. But it is only understandable if that's all you look at. Like I said, it is necessary to look at the lifestyle they live. If you assume this single story upon people, it will only deter you from living a lifestyle like these individuals. Take control of your life, and never just judge a book by its cover.
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