I had an interesting locker room conversation, it walked on to the gym floor, and the guy (in his 50s) was looking for permission to train how he felt he needs to :
To get back in shape like he’d been as a marine 30ish years prior.
Highlights :
Don’t feel silly training how you want to.
Don’t feel silly doing calisthenics when equipment is available.
I have no joke went to pf, done 100-150 pushups, showered up, and left.
(It gets me out of the house.)
Do the work, that’s perfect programming.
You’re doing a positive thing.
You’re taking (at least steps to) take care of yourself.
People pay personal trainers to have them do calisthenics, machines, barbells, everything – just use/do whatever you want.
How I joined pf – firstly to shower, second thinking “well I’ll be able to at least catch a pump on machines, and do dips and chins”.
↑ I’ve since changed to viewing pf as a challenge to make work.
The gym is fun for me, and how I unwind mentally.
He thanked me for making the point about doing your thing at the gym regardless of how it looks, told me I’d helped him feel confident doing what he needs to do.