I’ve just been following my program and executing.
I think it was Friday, my stability day.
A young man, maybe 28 or so, is watching me at first. I can see this in my peripheral vision. Later he comes closer and does his curls. I’m doing mine seated — 40 lb dumbbells. I think he was swinging 55s or 60s.
He says, Brother… come on! You can do much, much more than that.
I finish my set and tell him I’m just getting back in the gym. I’ve been out a few years, and this is my routine until I get back to form.
He leans in and says:
“Come on brother… you’re black. All you have to do is smell the weights and you will get big. You have the best genetics.”
I laugh. I’m perplexed.
I tell him I follow a set program and schedule. Yes, I can lift more — but that proves nothing.
He shakes his head and walks off.
I get back to my workout.
The following Monday I’m at the tail of my workout and he approaches me again — this time to ask about what I do. I tell him. He leaves.
The following Friday, He notices me performing the Pallof press. He watches me for two sets, then approaches me after.
“What is that you’re doing, brother?”
I tell him. And I can see he’s listening — actually taking my words in.
Monday I see him and he tells me he works out six days and eats and sleeps every day.
All I can think is: I hope so lol.
I might end up training him.
Landing line: Discipline doesn’t just build muscle. It teaches people how to approach you.
More Fragments next week.