Weight Room
The air is thick and still. The smell of body odor and a combination of several other musty
aromas fill the room. The only opening or way to get fresh air into the room is from the garage
door in the corner of the room, which is not open in the winter because of the weather.
Green and white paint cover the walls embodying our school spirit and colors. Benches,
weight trees, squat racks, bars, bands, dumbbells, and mirrors fill the room. The floor is
covered in rubber and stains from the white chalk splattered on the floor. The inspiring image
of metal, rubber, wood, and muscle coming together is almost overwhelming.
It is an empowering and slightly intimidating sight to most people. It is a war zone, people
are flying around from lift to lift pushing their bodies to the limit. Coaches are instructing and
teaching the athletes various exercises, lifts, and techniques with patience, enthusiasm, and
energy. It as if we, the athletes in the room, are preparing for battle.
The clanging and pounding from bars being racked and dumbbells hitting the floor is
deafening. The yells, screams, and cries of encouragement fill everyone with joy, enthusiasm,
and adrenaline. The blaring heavy metal, rock, and rap music from the stereo gets everyone's
pulse racing and ears pulsing. Loud groans and grunts are heard throughout the room that
installs a nervous energy in those that hear them. It is a controlled chaos.
Everyday it is a room that is filled with people young and old working hard to improve
athletically and psychologically. There is no messing around in this room. Once a person enters
the room they get directly down to business. If you were to come look at it any day after school
you would surely find a wide array of people; from cross country runners, to soccer players, to
track sprinters, to girls basketball players, and even on occasion the boys varsity basketball team.
Sweat, blood, and tears are spilt in this room in the never ending quest for physical and psychological
improvement. A person is ignorant if they tell you that you would be made fun of if you go in there
because it is the first motto or rule in this room to help not to harass those trying to improve
themselves. When used correctly the room is a spectacular place to find challenges, teamwork, and
lots of intensity.
This is the weight room.
Copyright ** Patrick Appino 2008
NATIONAL
ILLINOIS
