Lifting Culture

 

We always showed respect to each other.  OHC 3Respect by paying attention and not walking in front of someone when he were lifting.  To be attentive of how much others were lifting and to help watch their form.  To help out as you would want to be helped.  To be quiet and stop — regardless of what you were doing, even mid-set when someone was attempting a PR or huge lift.  To not walk over a loaded barbell.  By not putting your feet on the plates or stepping on plates lying on the floor.  To put your stuff away and go the extra mile to help keep the place tidy.  By not showboating, screaming or slamming equipment.  To be humble, modest, and grateful.  By being a true sportsman and to genuinely care for your other lifters, like brothers.

There were times when someone didn’t fit the mold.  Could be they were obnoxious, disrespectful, loud, or rude. It didn’t matter.  The owner simply told them to leave and never return.  When I was younger I clearly understood.  They didn’t fit in.  They weren’t one of US.  As I got older, I realized that he was actually throwing money out the door.  He was firing customers.  It was then I knew why.  Like a father to us all, he was protecting the integrity of the gym — its culture.  It must be preserved and cherished at any cost, even if he lost income.--
John Broz