Gains
From the moment where I step through the doors, downing my concoction of caffeine and beta-alanine, to when I chug my protein shake as I make my exit, every single element of the experience is immaculate. There is no better feeling on the planet than the intense burn and tearing of fibers as you shred your muscles to pieces. This action, commonly known as working out, is by far my favorite pastime. There is only one thing that could make this better, and that is going with friends.
It all began when a much smaller version of me, and my friends, decided to play football back in the sixth grade. All I expected were the normal, lame practices I was used to from playing peewee, however, to my surprise my eyes were opened to an entirely new world of possibilities: working out. We had no clue what a weight was or how to do any of the exercises, but we were extremely eager to learn how to do all of it. This is where our bond started. Going through the hardships of being tormented by a gargantuan football coach as your tiny thirteen-year-old arms struggle to pick up the seemingly five-ton weights with your pals creates a bond unrivaled by any other.
This carried on for three years until me and my friends decided to get a membership at a local gym. The new discovery of so many types of machines and exercises were alien to us. Some of our friends told us what to do and we went on our way. Coming every day after school to demolish whatever muscle group we had on our schedule quickly became the highlight of my day. The feeling of progress as you can barely lift your arms after a great workout mixed with the humorous and stupid atmosphere that comes with being around your friends is one of the best feelings on the planet.
Working out with friends does more than give you a fun, entertaining time. It gives you a group of people to compete with and get the motivation to go to the gym. It gives me something to look forward to instead of moping around from machine to machine. When I partake in this unofficial competition, I gain an incentive to beat your friends, an amazing way to get great progress in my gains. I also get a partner to help me with these exercises. In a crowded gym, it can be awkward to ask random strangers for a spot, when I go with my friends, I do not have to do this.
Today, my buddies and I still go to the gym every day after school. We drink our pre-workouts, which we are probably addicted to, split up into groups depending on what split we are all doing, then go on our way. The memories we make and the bonds we form in the gym will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Working out with your friends forms a relationship that will truly last a lifetime. What started out as my sixth-grade football practice is now my favorite way to clear my mind and bond with my buds.