CELEBRATING THE EARLY MORNING GYM CREW

There’s something special about the crew that shows up at the gym every morning, long before the world is fully awake.  These aren’t just gym-goers, they’re warriors, a bit bleary-eyed and still shaking off sleep, yet full of drive, determination, and just enough energy to share a laugh (or three).  Day in and day out, they show up with a mix of grit, humour, and let’s not forget the occasional groan of “Why did I sign up for this?!”

But for all the sweat and tired eyes, there’s no place they’d rather be, and it’s worth celebrating every bit of what makes them so incredible.  So here’s to you, the early risers, the banter-makers, the giggle-bringers, and maybe, just maybe, to the resident PT Mike Murray who somehow keeps them all coming back for more.

The Pre-Dawn Warriors: Driven and Determined

Let’s not beat around the bush, 6 a.m. isn’t for the faint of heart.  Most people would argue that this is the time for an extra snooze or two, not lifting weights or hitting the treadmill.  But every morning, there’s a crew that defies the odds, driven by an unshakable commitment to themselves.  Their dedication is written in every rep, every stride, and every high-five.  It’s about being better, stronger, and finding out what they’re made of and they do it with a smile (mostly).

The Banter Brigade: Waking Up with a Laugh

Let’s not forget that part of what makes these mornings magical is the constant chatter and laughs that break the early morning silence (unless by some stroke of luck the Radio is still playing).  From “WTF am I doing here” to “Is this supposed to be fun?” the banter is always on point, and the jokes come rolling in almost as fast as the sweat.  Someone’s struggling to wake up, someone’s showing off their “rest day” muscles, and then there’s that one person who’s still sleepy enough to put their shirt on backward (you know who you are even If it was only the once).  It’s these little moments, the casual ribbing and easy laughs, that make the gym feel more like a gathering of friends than a workout routine.

The Consistent Crew: The Backbone of Progress

The backbone of this group is undoubtedly the ones who show up, day in and day out (you’re welcome).  They’re here with consistency that’s almost clockwork.  This crew knows that progress isn’t about showing up once; it’s about showing up every time.  Whether they’re feeling on top of the world or struggling through a tough morning, they’re there, putting in the work.  They remind us all that fitness isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, one workout at a time. 

The Pushers and Encouragers: No One Gets Left Behind

One of the best things about our morning gym crew is the energy they pour into supporting each other.  It’s not unusual to hear someone shout “You got this!” or the very famous phrase from legend Ronnie Coleman “Lightweight Baby!” from across the gym or to see one person stop their own workout to spot someone else or cheer them on.  And on those brutal mornings when motivation feels like it’s at an all-time low, someone inevitably cracks a joke, and suddenly, it’s just a bit easier to keep going.  This camaraderie, these moments of collective strength, are what make showing up at dawn not only bearable but honestly something to look forward to.

Shoutout to Mike Murray, PT and Resident Morning Motivator

And then there’s the man behind the madness, the resident PT Mike Murray.  Mike’s always there with a grin that says, “Yes, this is going to hurt, but it’s worth it.”  His energy is the caffeine that kicks in before the coffee, and he knows exactly how to push people to their limits without pushing them over.  His workouts are as creative as they are challenging, and he somehow manages to make those who use his services want to come back for more.  With his expertise, encouragement, and just the right amount of sarcasm, he turns a morning workout into something even those who are not working out with him actually look forward to.

The Early Morning Inside Jokes

A big part of what sets this crew apart are those little inside jokes and rituals that make mornings at the gym so unique.  There’s the inevitable “Is it Friday yet?” question, the chuckle about something random like filling up a quality street tin from John Lewis, and that one person who always needs just one more sip of water before starting.  We’re all nodding knowingly as someone mentions their “accidentally extra-long” Sunday rest day, and the gym playlist sparks as much debate as it does motivation.

These quirks are what make early morning workouts not just a habit but something we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Why We Show Up – For Ourselves and Each Other

It’s a beautiful thing to see so many people coming together in one place, united by the goal of being their best selves.  Every day, there’s an unspoken understanding: we’re all here to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to support each other.  And while we might have different motivations, be it fitness, mental clarity, or a healthy habit, each of us contributes to the collective energy that makes mornings at the gym feel so unique.

So, here’s to each and every one of you.  To the dedicated, the early risers, the ones who bring the laughs, and the ones who make 6 a.m. feel like the best place to be.  Together, we’re not just lifting weights; we’re lifting each other up.  And on those tough mornings, when getting out of bed feels like a workout on its own, it’s this crew that keeps us all coming back.  And thank you, Mike, for guiding and supporting people through it all, one sweaty session at a time.  Keep crushing it, team, and don’t worry: we’ll all be back at it bright and early tomorrow morning (but never on Sunday!).

Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash