Gym Jones

Photo copyright Gym Jones

Recently I’ve been reading about a new concept in training that has sparked my interest. Ever wondered how all those actors got absolutely ripped for the movie 300? Enter a familiar name for the climbers out there Mark Twight. Yes, Dr. Doom has reinvented himself as a fitness trainer. Those not familiar with Twight should make the effort to have a bit of a look around. In the 90’s Twight was at the forefront of the alpine climbing game, putting up some seriously insane routes in Alaska, The Canadian Rockies and in Europe. While there are many that put up new climbs it was the style with which Mark climbed them and the style in which he philosophized about them that set him apart. Twight’s writings read like a philosopher born as the bastard child of Ian Curtis and Patti Smith – dark, infusing musings about the philosophy of pain, suffering and staunch climbing ideals. He held himself under the highest of microscopes and didn’t care what warts the rest of the world saw. Really interesting stuff, highly recommend reading – he’s been a huge influence on me as a writer.

Back to getting strong – Twight has started a gym, come cult in Salt Lake City called, Gym Jones (great name). There are no aerobics classes, child minding facilities or peppy post-rave techno to shake your spandex clad ass to. This is a dungeon of pain, punishment and re-birth. Loud punk music prevails as medicine balls are thrown around like rugby balls, free weights are dropped from head height and progressive sets of pyramiding exercises are suffered through. The training philosophy is based on an idea of muscle confusion – they throw the strangest combinations of exercises at you and you’re body can only build strength or crumble. Odd combinations like dragging massive tractor tires, pull-ups on a bar that spins in your hands and one arm bench presses. From the outside it looks like the perfect environment to get seriously strong. It’s a take no prisoners, you’re 100% in or fuck off attitude that allows it to have a uber-fit swagger. It isn’t open to the public, you have to be invited to join and only the very strong of character will survive. You can go for a two-day seminar to see if you have what it takes, but that’ll run you $1800 USD. Have a look at their website here to have a look at what they’re all about. kinda makes one feel weak by simply not being there and doing all that right now.

Food for thought.
Scott