Alright, welcome back to Physical Education. Today we’re doing something a little fun. A little different.
This one’s basically Highlights for Children–style. If you know what I’m talking about, congratulations: you are officially old as hell, just like me.
If you ever read Goofus and Gallant, you already get the setup. Gallant does things right. He makes life easier for the people around him. Goofus… does not. He’s a little more chaotic. Less directed. Things tend to be harder when Goofus is involved.
So let’s get into it.
If you train at a big-box gym, a global gym, most of this still applies. You might have to tweak how it shows up, but the ideas hold.
Today’s topic is how to be a cool person at the gym.
And I don’t mean “cool” like Bart Simpson or Spicoli, or someone who thumbs their nose at everybody.
I mean cool in the sense that when you leave the room, people go, “Man, I wish I trained like that person.”
That’s the kind of cool we’re after.
Saying Hi
Noah:
Just saying hi to people goes a long way.
Acknowledging that other people exist. That they’re part of what you’re doing, and you’re part of their experience. In a class setting, that sets the stage for everything we’re about to do.
Even in a bigger gym, acknowledging the front desk staff and the people around you — basic humanity — is a really cool thing to do.
Being Prepared
Coach Jon:
“Alright guys, second week of back squats. Same rep scheme as last week. Three sets of five. We’re trying to go a little heavier than last week. We’ll partner people up. Who knows what their back squat is for today?”
Gallant:
“Yeah, I checked my numbers from last week. I was at 205, so today I’ll be squatting 210.”
Noah:
Being prepared doesn’t mean turning into some doomsday prepper or fitness influencer maxing out every session.
It’s just a show of respect — for yourself, for the people around you, and for the coach running the class.
When you know what’s coming and you’re ready for it, everything runs smoother. Segments move faster. There’s less chaos. Less room for disaster.
Everyone feels calmer. The experience is better.
And guess what? You feel better too, cool guy who knows what their back squat is.
Over-Explaining Yourself
Goofus:
“Ah, you know man, my back’s been kinda bothering me, and I think I’m getting over a cold, so I’m going really light today. I’ll just be squatting like… 95 pounds. But I could go heavier. I just don’t want to push it. And boy am I excited.”
Noah:
This one’s tough, because we’ve all done it.
There’s a reflex to narrate everything we’re doing at the gym. To explain our choices in case someone misunderstands our fitness résumé.
Here’s the thing: nobody really needs the context.
There’s a concept called Spotlight Theory — we think people are paying way more attention to us than they actually are. Most people don’t care what you’re squatting today. And if they do, in a judgy way? Those probably aren’t the people whose attention you want anyway.
Some days are good. Some days are less good.
Cool people let both exist without commentary.
They just keep going.
Be an Engaged Partner
Goofus:
(Checking phone/not paying attention)
Gallant:
“Hey, what’s up? How you doing?”
“Nice work.”
“You’ve got this.”
“Good rep — that looked solid.”
“Come on, one more. You’re doing great.”
Noah:
Okay, yes — that might be a little over the top. You don’t need to be loud or act like a cheerleader.
But just paying attention goes a long way.
Noticing when someone finishes something hard. Listening when someone’s talking. Responding like a normal human.
Gyms work best when people are involved in the whole experience — not just stuck in their own little bubble.
Taking Up the Right Amount of Space
Noah:
This one’s physical, but it’s also social.
Cool gym people understand how much space they need — and how much they don’t.
They’re not shrinking themselves, but they’re also not spilling into everyone else’s space. Especially in a cozy gym like ours.
Being aware of where you put your stuff, and where you put your body, is a cool thing to do.
So… do it.
The Point
None of this is about being impressive.
It’s about being easy to train with.
If you do most of these things — even most of the time — congratulations. You’re already a cool gym person.
And honestly? That matters way more than your score.
Thanks for hanging out with me for this week’s Physical Education. If you like this kind of video — a little more fun, a little different — let me know. Comment, subscribe, do all the internet things.
Our subscriber count is slowly ticking up. We’re in the 80s now, on our way to the 90s. Soon we’ll have more subscribers than people I actually know in real life.
Thanks for watching. I’ll see you next week.
