My journey with 212 began in 2014, immediately after graduating from college. I remember the day I came in with my dad to look at apartments. The Rumford Center was our last stop of the day, and while waiting for the tour, we stopped into 212. As if prescience and providence had converged, he said, “Bud, here’s your gym.”
It’s been twelve years, almost to the day. Over that time, my understanding of health, not just performance, has evolved tremendously. How to properly fuel and care for my body, recover from workouts, and find the right balance and diversity in training are all questions that 212 has helped me answer. And you know what? I’m still asking questions, still learning. A recent leg injury prompted me to rethink my fitness routine and explore new ways to move. Thankfully, 212 offered yoga and Pilates classes that introduced me to new disciplines and allowed me to focus on my body’s changing needs beyond traditional strength training and cardio.
When I think of performance improvements, it starts with how I’ve learned to approach working out. The environment and coaching at 212 have demanded my most present self, and in the process, I’ve found a way to consistently shed stress or angst that weighs on me. Conversely, I am able to build on any positive momentum or joy already gained during the day. Put simply, a tough day can become a good one simply by walking into 212. And, in that same vein, a good day can become a great one.
There’s no question that these mindset ‘gains’ I’ve developed through my time at 212 have extended into other areas of my life, strengthening the discipline and focus I bring to my overall health and fitness, but also to career goals and hobbies.
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, I've made some wonderful friendships at 212 and feel like I'm meeting new people every single week. It’s no secret that from the pandemic forward, our society has been upended. 212 has been a bastion of humanity for me, as I converse with people about their lives, joys, challenges. It’s allowed me to cut through the noise and focus on what matters; community, caring for oneself, and attempting progress, however fast or slow that may happen.
I'm truly grateful to all the coaches and staff who show up every day with the energy, commitment, and passion that make 212 the incredibly unique space that it is.