Don't dismiss the "culture" of physical culture

Some complain that the term, "physical culture" has been lost from our vocabulary for the past 30 years or so.

I'd agree.

But, there's good reason that the phrase is lost.

Physical Culture IS lost.

Sure, we have a booming fitness culture, but it heavily relies on materialistic things.

Fitness clothing, accessories, new fancy gyms filled with new fancy machines...

Physical Culture is about cultivating a habit, a community, and a CULTURE of physical practice. This practice should NOT rely on whether or not you have access to specific gyms, equipment, or clothes.

Physical Culture is about getting the habit of fitness completed, day in and day out, regardless of your environment, busy schedule, and outfits. 

If you only workout if/when you have access to a gym, you're not a physical culturist.

If you identify as a "gym rat" because you wear popular, over-priced fabrics, you're not a physical culturist.

This is why I love the resurgence of the home gym community.

Home gym trainees understand that it's not about the equipment you have to train with, it's about how you USE the equipment you have.

Often, I'll be on vacation and I won't have time or access to get to a gym and I have – seemingly – no equipment to train with.

But, I always have my body. And because I'm not dogmatic, snooty, or ignorant in the sciences of exercise, I'm always able to get a decent workout in with bodyweight exercises, a floor, and – if I'm lucky – a beam or a rafter to pull myself up and down.

Get away from this complex "optimal or bust" way of training.

Get outside in uncomfortable elements with some minimal equipment – whether that be a kettlebell or 2, a pair of dumbbells, resistance bands, a sand bag, or just your body weight – and string together a few basic exercises and work hard at them for 20-40 minutes.

Get yourself something simple to train at home for times when you're busy or the gym is closed or weather is bad. Store it out in a shed, garage, or corner of your bedroom and every now and then (or more often) get a great workout in less than ideal conditions with less than ideal lighting and without the distraction of gym pop music and other gym goers looking at each other.

Bring back the ruggedness, discipline, and enjoyment of physical culture no matter where you are.